The Sloan Center on Innovative Training and Workforce Development (ITWD) at Rutgers University will be hosting the Fourth Annual National Summit, Technology's Tipping Point: Integrating Technology Enabled Learning into Workforce Development, at the Holiday Inn on the Hill in Washington, DCon December 13 and 14, 2007. 

Registration forms will be available Summer 2007.

For more information, contact Heather McKay at hmckay@rci.rutgers.edu, or go to the ITWD website at: http://www.itwd.rutgers.edu/About/staff.html

WORKFORCE INVESTMENT BOARD MEMBER HANDBOOK

The Workforce Investment Boards (WIBs) are important policy Boards for occupational skills training and educational programs in their respective workforce areas. WIBs were created in New Jersey in 1995 to guide New Jersey’s Workforce Investment System.  WIBs are charged with integrating publicly funded services and training into a workforce system that is flexible, seamless, and responsive to the needs of both job seekers and employers. The WIB must define a vision, mission, and goals based on local community needs.  Workforce Investment Boards (WIBs) are expected to be knowledgeable about the workforce needs of their communities in terms of both the skills businesses need and the services and training residents require. 

This Handbook is designed to provide WIB Members with the most critical information  needed to know as a Board member. Each chapter provides a brief background and overview of New Jersey’s expectations for the Workforce Investment System. Each overview is purposefully designed to provide a context for carrying out the specific functions and actions, which are described in significant detail in each chapter.

 http://www.njsetc.net/handbook/WIB Handbook May 2007

JOB SEEKERS - the National Work Readiness Credential (WRC) helps you show prospective employers that you have the knowledge and skills needed to be a successful entry-level worker. Learn how to earn this Credential at: WRC CANDIDATE HANDBOOK

Launch of the National Work Readiness Credential (WRC) - Site Applications

In September 2006 the National Work Readiness Council (NWRC) will begin a targeted launch of the National Work Readiness Credential (WRC) in approximately 50 sites around the country. During this 'soft' launch, which will extend through December 2006, it is estimated that up to 10,000 individuals will take the assessment. We are now accepting applications to participate in the soft launch at: http://www.castleworldwide.com/nwrc/asp/nwrc_site_application.asp . 

NWRC recommends reading "Becoming an NWRC Assessment Site" before completing this application.

NWRC Seeks Executive Director

The National Work Readiness Council (NWRC), a recently created non-profit organization devoted to enhancing and promoting the work readiness of the nation's diverse population, seeks an Executive Director to provide vision and direction for the organization and to develop organizational strategy. The NWRC has been formed by the states and organizations that have developed the National Work Readiness Credential and will serve as the primary home for that Credential.

The Executive Director will serve as the organization's chief fund raising officer, marketing and promoting the National Work Readiness Credential to various stakeholders, implementing policies approved by the Board, managing the organization's operations, and representing the organization to various stakeholder and constituent groups. Desired qualifications include knowledge of and genuine passion for current workforce issues, challenges, and opportunities in the United States; five or more years of experience in state or national work readiness initiatives; proven success in acquiring government, corporate, and foundation grants to support non-profit organizational objectives; and proven success in marketing and promoting organizational priorities to external audiences and constituents. This is a one-year renewable contract position, with renewal based on demonstrated job performance and fundraising success. Compensation is competitive for the DC area. Relocation is not required.  

More information regarding the NWRC and the recently developed National Work Readiness Credential Assessment may be accessed at www.workreadiness.com.

Please forward a cover letter addressing your qualifications for the position, a resume or curriculum vitae, and accompanying materials no later than June 30, 2006, to: Andra S. Cornelius, Chair, NWRC Board of Directors and Vice President, Business Outreach, Workforce Florida, Inc., 1974 Commonwealth Lane, Tallahassee, FL  32303. Email inquiries and submission of applications materials may also be forwarded to Andra at acornelius@workforceflorida.com.

National Work Readiness Credential (WRC)

The State of New Jersey has been a major partner in the creation of a national Work Readiness Credential.  The WRC is a nationally validated, portable, computer-based assessment that measures readiness for entry-level jobs. The WRC is based on a set of employer-defined cross-industry foundational skills required for success in employment.  Attainment of this Credential signifies to an employer that the potential employee possess the necessary skills, knowledge and ability to become a successful entry-level worker. The WRC will be accessible through the One-Stop system. The WRC is scheduled for release in the second half of 2006.

WRC Profile can be found at: www.workreadiness.com

One-Stop Workforce Investment System Unified STATE PLAN UPDATE for the period July 1, 2005 to June 30, 2007

New Jersey is pleased to present the New Jersey Unified State Plan for Workforce Investment for the period July 2005 through June 2007.  The plan is the product of a collaborative process coordinated by the State Employment and Training Commission and involving business, labor, the public and all New Jersey State Departments and agencies dealing with workforce investment.  The plan was approved unanimously by the SETC on May 17, 2005, signed by the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development on May 26, 2005, the Governor on May 27, 2005, and is in effect for the period July 1, 2005 through June 30, 2007.  Any comments about the plan should be submitted to Henry A. Plotkin, Executive Director of the SETC at henry.plotkin@dol.state.nj.us

New Booklets from the National Association of Workforce Boards (NAWB)

Many WIBs are using sectoral strategies to strengthen their outreach to the business community. Here are some how-to's for adopting this strategy and lessons learned.  The Road to Sector Success: A Guide for Workforce Boards

Learn about the innovative strategies and services that WIBS and One-Stops are providing to meet the needs of their local business customers.  Doing Business With Business: America’s Workforce Investment System Serves America’s Businesses

Legislation to Reauthorize WIA

Legislation was introduced on January 4, 2005 to reauthorize the Workforce Investment Act (WIA).   For more information go to: WIA Reauthorization

Conference information

The 7^th Annual State Employment and Training Commission One-Stop Conference will be held December 13 and 14, 2005, at the Trump Plaza in Atlantic City, New Jersey.  As additional information becomes available, it will be posted on this site.

The booklet from the One-Stop Conference held in Atlantic City December 14 and 15, 2004 has links to various presentations given and materials that were distributed.  This can be found at: SETC 2004 One-Stop Conference