A Digest of Local, State and Federal Workforce Development News
The Global Gender Report 2011
The department's Office of the Chief Economist, Women's Bureau and Bureau of International Labor Affairs co-hosted a discussion last Thursday about the newly released "2011 Global Gender Gap Report" prepared by the World Economic Forum. The report measures the gender gap in 135 countries in the areas of economic participation and opportunity, educational attainment, health and survival, and political empowerment. Chief Economist Adriana Kugler and Women's Bureau Director Sara Manzano-Diaz highlighted Labor Department programs that promote economic opportunity and equality for working women and girls. Secretary Solis noted that the department "takes a proactive approach that puts layers of social protections in place so women are not exposed." She also pointed to the department's support for international programs that protect the rights of female factory workers and keep young girls from being exploited by the worst forms of child labor. Access the full report at: http://reports.weforum.org/global-gender-gap-2011
Member News
The BWIB membership has long recognized the role financial literacy plays in maintaining a stable workforce. If this is a cause you’d like to support, the Office of the Comptroller of Maryland has created a petition calling on the General Assembly to pass legislation making a standalone financial literacy course a requirement for all high school students. Learn more with the Financial Literacy Fact Sheet and sign the petition online.
Tech Sector Fourth in Nation
Maryland ranks fourth in the nation in the concentration of tech industry employment, with 87 of every 1,000 private sector workers employed in the high tech sector, according to TechAmerica's Cyberstates 2011 report. High tech accounts for 170,000 jobs in Maryland, ranked 11th nationally. These workers earn an average of $90,300, 89% higher than the average private sector wage in the state. Within the high tech sector, Maryland ranks fourth in space and defense systems manufacturing with 10,000 jobs and sixth with 62,000 jobs in computer systems design.
Job Start 101
The need for better job readiness among entry-level workers has been a hot topic among BWIB members. The Baltimore Regional Initiatives Taskforce identified job readiness as a key workforce issue, and it was singled out as a priority for action and influence during the BWIB’s annual strategic planning session in September. Local employers are not alone in viewing job readiness as an area that needs attention. A survey conducted by The Springboard Project – an independent commission of thought leaders – found that 61 percent of U.S. employers say it is difficult to find qualified workers to fill job vacancies. This is why Business Roundtableand the HR Policy Association joined forces to develop JobSTART 101 – a free online course for college students and recent college graduates that introduces the professional skills necessary for entry-level employees to succeed in the workplace. This is a comprehensive, six module course that includes a downloadable workbook, videos, and a social media component. You can view the complete course at www.jobstart101.org.
Congratulations BITHENERGY!
Congratulations go out to BWIB member Bob Wallace, CEO at BITHENERGY. Bob’s organization was selected as a finalist in the Greater Baltimore Committee’s prestigious 2011 Bridging the Gap Achievement Awards. His leadership in the Baltimore business community is an exemplary model of vision and commitment to service that plays a vital role in our City’s bright future. The BWIB is fortunate and honored to count BITHGroup Technologies, under Bob’s capable leadership, among our member organizations.
BWIB Member Profile – Pegeen Townsend
Pegeen Townsend has served on the BWIB since its inception in 2000. She is Vice President for Government Affairs with MedStar Health, a regional health care system with 9 hospitals, 3 of which are located in Baltimore City – Harbor Hospital, Good Samaritan Hospital, and Union Memorial Hospital. The system employees 26,000 associates, and includes a large home health agency, a Medicaid managed care plan, research and innovation institutes and training for more than 1,000 medical residents annually. When asked what motivates her to serve on the BWIB for all these years, Pegeen expresses a keen appreciation of the need for an educated, qualified workforce. “Healthcare represents one of the largest, and growing, private sector employers in the City. As a key component of the Baltimore’s regional economy, my organization has a vested interest in the success of the workforce. The BWIB is a “win-win” proposition - matching the needs of employers with the needs of the unemployed, under employed, and incumbent work force. Of particular satisfaction, is the Board’s focus on preparing the youth of Baltimore City for the workplace. The health care industry’s aging workforce, coupled with an aging population with increasing needs, absolutely requires an adequate pipeline of future employees.”
Upcoming Quarterly Meetings of the Baltimore Workforce Investment Board:
Tuesday, December 6th, 2011
Location: To be announced
Networking Breakfast begins at 7:30. Meeting begins at 8:00
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