Advancing workforce and economic development in Bucks County | September 2021 |
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A Message from Our Executive Director |
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As fall approaches, the Bucks County Department of Workforce and Economic Development (WED) continues working with local partners and businesses to expand career pathways through job fairs, employment counseling, and program outreach. These pathways offer Bucks County's workforce the education, training, and skills they need to thrive in an everchanging economic landscape.
Together we are working to serve those out of work, returning citizens rejoining our community, and youth seeking work-based learning experiences. Providing greater access to skills training and employment opportunities is a significant part of changing lives throughout Bucks County. It also contributes to more vibrant, resilient, and equitable economies both locally and regionally.
There are many ways for Bucks County's businesses and workforce to benefit from these efforts. Whether it is registering for an upcoming WED Talk, attending a multi-industry job fair, sharing information about open positions, receiving information about available resources, or participating in the Bucks 2040 survey, there are multiple offerings aimed at meeting employers' needs for skilled workers and fulfilling the workforce's career and economic advancement. We hope you connect with one this month, and if there is something you would like made available in the near future, let us know at workforce@buckscounty.org.
Sincerely,
Billie F. Barnes
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9/11 Memorial: The Garden of Reflection |
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This summer, 18 Bucks County Technical High School students revitalized the 9/11 Garden of Reflection in Lower Makefield through an internship experience funded by the State and Local Internship Program (SLIP) grant. The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry grant was awarded to WED, which partnered with the Technical High School in Fairless Hills.
SLIP helps young adults develop workforce preparation skills by providing participants with their first work experience. The student interns conducted routine landscape maintenance, trimming, pruning, replanting, and creating walking paths among their projects. They also learned about the events of 9/11 and the impact it had on Bucks County.
September 2021 marks the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 events that claimed 2,973 lives; 18 victims were from Bucks County. The Garden of Reflection is a physical homage to those lives lost and the journey from grief towards hope, peace, and celebration of life.
In July 2006, the Garden of Reflection was designated as the official state memorial to the victims of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. The Garden occupies 2.5 acres surrounded by an arboretum with groves of trees, adjoining meadows, meandering gravel paths, playing fields, and other recreational amenities. Read more
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WED Talks Webinar: Encouragement & Empowerment Through Employment
Join us at 10 a.m. Wednesday, September 8, 2021, for a timely WED Talk featuring George M. Little, Executive Deputy Secretary of Community Corrections and Reentry for the PA Department of Corrections (DOC). As COVID response remains at the forefront, employers will discover how the DOC addresses employment challenges in a dynamic labor market.
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Multi-Industry Job Fair at YMCA of Bucks County in Quakertown
PA CareerLink® Bucks County is hosting a job fair at 9 a.m. Thursday, September 9, 2021. Held at YMCA of Bucks County in Quakertown, the event will feature employers from multiple industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, and retail. Career seekers in search of full-time, part-time, and permanent positions are encouraged to attend.
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Workforce & Economic Development News |
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In partnership with the County of Bucks, Visit Bucks County is accepting grant applications for the Bucks County Tourism Grant Program. Beginning in 2008 and funded through a percentage of the County’s tax on lodging, the program aims to increase visitation from outside Bucks County, resulting in economic impact and supporting jobs. Read more
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A recently launched county-run website aims to provide enhanced access to resources and support for people reentering the community from prison. The Bucks County Reentry Coalition believes that “good reentry is good for everyone,” Michael Harrison, coalition chair and deputy chief of the Bucks County Adult Probation and Parole Department. Read more
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The PA Department of Labor & Industry released the 26th edition of it's PA Career Guide. Information in this publication can be used by all individuals who are preparing for continuing education and/or entrance into the workforce. Explore the PA Career Guide
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The Bucks County Commissioners and the Planning Commission desire input from business owners as part of the Bucks 2040 survey. Bucks 2040 is the comprehensive plan now being developed by the planning commission to outline growth strategies for the next 20 years. Take the survey
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Meet Our Board Member: Yolanda M. Udvardy
As Director of the Division of Continuing and Professional Studies at Delaware Valley University, Yolonda M. Udvardy, M.S.Ed. brings her passion for providing education and training for all learners through part-time undergraduate degrees, community college completion programs, personal enrichment courses and certificates, the Center for Learning in Retirement, and year-round programs for students aged 5-18. In addition to serving as the Youth Council Co-Chair on the Bucks County Workforce Development Board, Udvardy also represents the Delaware Valley University as an education partner on the Bucks County Career Pathways Partnership Executive Committee.
Udvardy has focused on increasing access, equity, and resources throughout her career, especially opportunities for upward social mobility. These include the extensive career training offerings at Delaware Valley University, which promote upskilling and self-paced online learning. Her experience as an educator spans multiple areas, from academic advising and program coordination to overseeing a tutoring and learning center.
Currently, Udvardy is a doctoral candidate for Leadership in Higher Education. She hopes to continue educating communities while making a positive impact for future generations in education and employment.
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Career Seeker Success Story: Natalia
A single mother of three children, Natalia had fled a domestic violence situation when she enrolled in the Employment, Advancement, and Retention Network (EARN) program at PA CareerLink® Bucks County. Natalia aspired to secure employment with a family-sustaining wage, so she would no longer need public assistance to make ends meet.
After consulting with her Workforce Counselor, Natalia embraced the opportunity to research careers, set employment goals, and advance her education. Read more
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Local Entrepreneur Spotlight: EmpathED
Co-founded by Kirsten Bronkovic, Elliot Higgins, and Mark Rubbo and based in New Hope, EmpathED is a virtual platform designed to empower students with learning disabilities and other health impairments by training educators with Virtual reality and multi-media to better support students. These interactive training courses enhance outcomes for students with variety of hurdles, including dyslexia, reading differences, autism, ADHD, depression, and anxiety.
“EmpathED’s economic and human impact is far-reaching," said Co-founder Kirsten Bronkovic. “Our platform of micro-courses and immersive experiences creates understanding and empathy. Students will feel more confident and understood, which can improve achievement and increase employability.” Read more
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Resources for Businesses & Career Seekers |
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The County of Bucks Department of Emergency Communications is looking to hire Dispatcher Trainees to receive instruction and fulfill the training requirements regarding public safety communication and qualify for a permanent position as a Dispatcher I. Read more
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The Bucks County Department of Corrections is looking for self-motivated, hard-working, and dedicated individuals. General duty corrections work maintaining security and discipline in the Bucks County Correctional System on an assigned shift. Read more
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Neshaminy Manor will host a long-term care job fair at 1 p.m. Thursday, September 23, 2021. The Bucks County nursing facility has a variety of positions available for energetic and dedicated professionals. Positions include full and part-time RNs, LPNs, CNAs, and more. Job requisitions and online applications can also be found on the County of Bucks website. Read more
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