Business Development Board and Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County Partner to Strengthen Local Workforce Pipeline
The Business Development Board of Martin County (BDBMC) is pleased to announce a partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County (BGCMC) to support the BDBMC’s Talent Advancement Team.
This workforce development initiative is focused on strengthening the local talent pipeline and connecting employers with education, training and workforce resources and nicely complements BGCMC’s extensive youth workforce training programs.
As part of the partnership, BGCMC is sponsoring Talent Advancement Team and hosting its quarterly meetings at its Greater Stuart Club.
“The workforce challenges facing our businesses cannot be solved by any one organization,” said Troy McDonald, BDBMC interim executive director. “It takes employers, educators, workforce organizations and community partners working together. We are excited to partner with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County and appreciate its investment in building up the knowledge base and skillsets of local young people, which will help meet the future needs of local businesses.”
The Talent Advancement Team brings together workforce professionals and employers from throughout Martin County, including nonprofit organizations, the Martin County School District, Indian River State College, local government, chambers of commerce, CareerSource, recruiters and private-sector employers.
Rather than serving as a traditional networking event, the Talent Advancement Team provides a focused forum to identify workforce needs, share information about programs and resources, strengthen connections between education and employers, and develop collaborative solutions to workforce challenges.
Upcoming meetings of the Talent Advancement Team take place in October, January, April and July of next year.
“Preparing young people for successful futures requires strong connections between education, workforce development and the employers who will ultimately provide those career opportunities,” said Keith “Fletch” Fletcher, BGCMC president and CEO. “We are proud to partner with the Business Development Board and bring these organizations together to help create pathways that connect Martin County’s young people with meaningful careers right here in our community.”
With more than 1,000 members in its daily care and programs that impact nearly 10,000 more throughout the year, BGCMC is particularly effective in serving young people growing up in challenging circumstances.
BGCMC’s latest initiative, YouthBuild, is operated with funding from the U.S. Department of Labor and Employment and Training Administration and helps high school students in danger of not graduating or at risk of dropping out. In addition to providing academic assistance to help them earn a high school diploma or equivalent, the program provides hands-on construction skills training, the chance to earn credentials in aerial lift and forklift operations and attain pre-apprenticeship certifications.
BGCMC runs a highly successful culinary program, food truck and catering business where club members—under the supervision of a chef—conduct almost every aspect of the operation and earn competitive hourly wages in the process. The organization’s additional diverse workforce training offerings include:
Skilled Trades Training: In a partnership with Florida Training Services incorporating curriculum from the National Center for Construction Education & Research, participants earn an industry recognized, registered apprenticeship certifications and then pursue trades in carpentry, electrical, plumbing, or HVAC for additional advanced training and certifications.
Virtual Reality: Participants can explore and experience as many as 30 virtual career options using Oculus VR headsets and Transfr simulations, followed up by more than 280 training courses. Options include, among others, automotive, advanced manufacturing, construction, public safety, skilled trades, warehousing, logistics, and hospitality and tourism.
Drone programs: Small class sizes with individual instructional focus, courses range from the TRUST Certification beginner class—open to fourth graders and up—to a Part 107 FAA program with more extensive courses on drone technology, federal regulations, weather management and industry applications.
Futures in Fashion: For teens ages 13-18 interested in fashion, design, and textile arts, this three-phase, hands-on program gives young creators the tools, training, and mentorship to transform inspiration into wearable art. Experienced instructors and industry professionals instruct participants in designing, creating, and customizing their own garments and accessories before showcasing their work in a professional fashion show gala fundraiser.
Manufacturing 4.0: Industry-focused training program providing hands-on experience in essential electrical and mechanical skills, which prepares participants 16 to 24 years old to pass the Smart Automation Certification Association (SACA) Basic Operations exam.
Related courses in the Manufacturing 4.0 program include Industrial Safety Practices, Residential Electrical Wiring, AC and DC Electrical Systems, Motor Control Systems, Precision Measuring and CAD Modeling, and Robotics and System Automation.
“Developing a strong workforce begins well before someone submits their first job application,” McDonald added. “By bringing the organizations responsible for education, training and workforce development together with employers, we can better align our resources with the current and future needs of Martin County businesses.”
Learn more about how the Business Development Board of Martin County supports local businesses at www.BDBMC.org.