Younger Workers Committee Meeting

October 15, 2015: 9:30 AM
Marion Martin Rm, MDOL Commerce Dr, Augusta

YOUNGER WORKERS COMMITTEE AGENDA 10/15/2015 9:30 AM ? NOON MARION MARTIN ROOM, MDOL ? Welcomes and Introductions ? Update on WIOA, Data (Paul Leparulo, SWDB) ? Discussion on Work Readiness ? Open discussion on how we are doing with WIOA implementation. Questions, best practices, and challenges. ? Membership ? Meeting schedule for 2016 ? Approval of Meeting Minutes 09/09/15


Younger Workers Committee

10/15/2015

Present : Denise Smith, Mary-Anne Saxl, Anne Wheeler, Lisa Hartnett, Meg Harvey, Jaime Grover, Rachel Knight, Ginny Carroll, Mike Jordan (phone), Pam Richards (phone), Paul Leparulo (guest), Janie Small (absent), Scott Good (absent), Dave Wurm (absent)

Staff: Cheryl Moran

• Denise Smith opened the meeting with welcomes and introductions.

Update on WIOA, Data (Paul Leparulo, SWDB) • Paul Leparulo ? stated Maine has 15,000 jobs that cannot be filled because of lack of education or experience. We need more and better data to flush out issues. We need to define data such as what needs to be measured, find out what other States are doing, upcoming jobs, populations served, and demographics. In the 16-24 age group, we need better data in these demographics especially outcomes. As far as ?data?, we have the information but no one seems to know it is there or how to get there. The biggest barrier is linking social security numbers with wage data. On the CWRI website, the longitudinal data system can find out outcomes after educational attainment. • Denise Smith ? stated what triggered this was when Meg Harvey was talking about technical jobs and not being able to track outcomes after educational attainment. • Paul Leparulo ? pointed out when you have no population growth, especially with our Youth, it is a State problem.

Discussion on Work Readiness • Denise Smith ? Work Ready is a 60 hour program that is delivered through Adult Education. The program covers soft skill standards such as getting to work on time, no cell phone use, proper attire, which is work readiness. • Rachel Knight ? stated that is why her company has videos to show real life experience in a real life environment. • Meg Harvey ? stated there is no requirement to teach this in school. • Jaime Grover ? Work readiness should be introduced early and for youth that are not engaged in the educational system. • Anne Wheeler ? Vocational Rehabilitation conducts Career Exploration Workshops at the schools. She mentioned how anyone can attend even if you do not have a disability. • Lisa Hartnett - At the Lewiston CareerCenter, we have employers conduct an evaluation on their timesheets. • Denise Smith ? stated it is our job as a State to prepare our Youth. • Meg Harvey ? suggested the Committee Members simplistically describe how they serve Youth. Then we can work from there and have a better understanding. We need to have a common language that can present a model for all. • Denise Smith ? let?s table this discussion and work on Meg?s suggestion for the next meeting.

Open discussion on how we are doing with WIOA implementation. Questions, best practices, and challenges • Denise Smith ? stated one of the challenges will be outreach issues with out-of-school Youth. • Jaime Grover ? stated she particularly dealt with the out-of-school Youth population. They have a close partnership with the Department of Corrections, Long Creek and recently, Cumberland County Jail. Enrollments were a little slower this summer than last. The WIOA transition overall has been smooth. • Mike Jordan ? there has been a big increase in 23 ? 24 year olds, which is a big issue. Their work ethic is good. We just need to connect people to jobs. • Lisa Hartnett ? stated working with the 24 year olds, she is finding it a bit challenging. Reason being, they are more interested in training than a work experience. She also mentioned, under WIOA, they are focusing on work experience placements. • Denise Smith ? stated she is hoping to get more referrals with the Job Corp. As far as outreach, she enjoys working with offenders. • Rachel Knight ? suggested providing a form to employers in reference to ?what is it that they are looking for.? • Meg Harvey ? stated she wished Maine would require like other States, the Career Exploration component in all high schools.

Membership • Denise Smith ? stated there are no real requirements to join the Committee. She would like to include someone from DHHS, the Community College or Foster Care. • Lisa Hartnett ? suggested New Beginnings which serves the homeless population. • Anne Wheeler ? suggested a focus group meet occasionally for an hour. • Meg Harvey ? would like the Committee Members to work on 2 goals as a group; work readiness and legislation for the Career Exploration component.

Meeting schedule for 2016 • Denise Smith ? asked if the 3rd Thursday every other month, 9:30am ? noon still works. All agreed. Denise stated Cheryl and herself will work on the schedule together and will send an email on the tentative dates.

Approval of Meeting Minutes 09/09/15 • Denise Smith asked for approval as written. Mary-Anne Saxl motioned. Meg Harvey seconded. All approved the minutes as written.

Next Meeting will be held on Thursday, 12/10/15, from 10:00am ? 12:30pm in the Marion Martin room, MDOL Commerce Drive, Augusta.

Meeting adjourned

Respectfully submitted by Cheryl Moran


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