FredCo EDA: The Workforce Initiative
Jun 30, 2021
We pre-recorded our conversation today with Sally Michaels from Frederick County Economic Development Authority to talk about the Worlds of Work Expo (WoW!), the expansion of Manufacturing Week, and the Employer Expo.
Worlds of Work is a career exploration event managed by Lord Fairfax Community College Career Pathways Consortium, in partnership with Barrett Machine, Inc., Northern Shenandoah Valley Regional Commission, Frederick County Economic Development Authority, and Winchester Economic Development Authority.
WoW! hosts nearly 3,000 eighth grade students from the region. More than 70 businesses showcase equipment, vehicles, and machinery that students climb into, fix, and manipulate. There are also animals students can touch and care for as well as life-like mannequins they might splint and stitch. The event is designed to be a hands-on exploration of possible careers.
WoW! will return to the Wilkins Events Center at Shenandoah University again this year on Friday, September 10, 2021. More details can be found on their website: explorethewow.com
National Manufacturing Day is October 1, 2021 and will be celebrated throughout the month. Manufacturing "Month" is an annual celebration of the region's manufacturing sector coinciding with National Manufacturing Day. Planning is underway for this year's events. More details can be found at: theworkforceinitiative.com
This effort is all about awareness, allowing the future workforce to see into the modern world of manufacturing with an emphasis on innovative and high tech careers. 2020 MFG Month included:
- New videos in our library; Continental, MTV Solar, and Southeastern Container: View the Current Gallery
- Social media ads featuring MFG facts, local businesses, products made locally, and shout-outs to classes viewing videos
- Weekly features in the newspaper; spotlight on careers and employee testimonials
- Online Google map pinpointing MFG operations within the region
The Employer Expo is the region's premier hiring event. Annually, representatives from more than 40 companies speak with prospective job candidates. Professional development workshops run on the half hour focusing on resume building, interview techniques, and business acumen. Participants completing all three workshops are entered into drawings for six $500 scholarships. Fast-track training providers are onsite to showcase training and certification offerings for in-demand career fields.
This year the event will happen on Thursday, October 21, 2021. More details can be found here: theemployerexpo.com