KRA’s December 2014 Spotlight! featured a new partnership between the TANF Employment Program, KRA-operated for the DC Department of Human Services, and the DC Chapter of the Society for Human Resource Management for a series of industry-specific Workforce Readiness Workshops. For the Winter workshop on Construction, Landscaping, and Maintenance, an impressive panel of experts shared “insider” industry information and insights.
Nicholas Magerela, CEO, Community Management Corporation, a sister company of ASSOCIA, a leader in HOA Management throughout the US, Canada, and Mexico; Claudia Jones, Chair, DC Chapter SHRM Workforce Readiness Committee; and Chris Askew, Owner, Diamond Landscaping discussed types and levels of positions and wages; hiring requirements, including military-preferences; available training; volunteering to fill employment-history gaps; interviewing do’s-and-don’ts; and more.
Another topic—the responsibility of Job Developers in assisting customers connect with employers and whether or not they should follow-up on their behalf—evoked lively discussion, will all panelists agreeing: JDs should coach and guide customers in being aggressive jobseekers, and provide employment opportunities. However, it is the customer’s responsibility to follow-up with the employer to get the job!
JDs Chris Vera and Olivia Vaughns agree that, “The Workshops are invaluable, giving our customers a unique opportunity to learn about ‘workforce readiness’ from the employer’s perspective.”
Dr. Boone’s 20+ years’ experience in the industry is extensive and her expertise in private-, public-, and non-profit sector workforce-services organizations is unparalleled, particularly in the Baltimore–Washington Metropolitan area.
