On March 17th, Wilkes EDC in partnership with the High Country Workforce Development Board held the first Wilkes Workforce Summit.
Over 100 Business, Community, and Resource Leaders registered to attend the event. Keynote Speaker Dr. Harry Davis, PhD, Professor of Finance at Appalachian State University, gave an overview of the economic trends affecting workforce. After Dr. Davis’s presentation, Resource Partners representing various local and regional organizations- such as Vocational Rehab, Re-Entry, Apprenticeships and On-the-Job-Training all gave a 60-second overview of services they offer that people may not be aware of.
Attendees were broken up into three groups, based on preferences they indicated during registration. Each group focused on certain factors as they relate to attracting or retaining workforce: Group #1 was Childcare, Housing & Transportation, #2 Poverty, Domestic Violence & Substance Abuse, and #3 Policies, Perks, Pay Scale & Culture. Work-Life Balance, Adequate Pay, Access to Childcare and Transportation, Development, Person-Centered Workplaces, Remote Working, and Second Chance Hiring were some of the many listed recommendations from participants in each group.
Also announced was the Wilkes County Workforce Resource Guide, available on the EDC’s website, which combines resources for employers and those seeking employment. Each program, their website and help type is listed alphabetically for each category and can be downloaded here. Please contact Info@WilkesEDC.com if you would like to be added, or to provide updates.