The Cenla Work Ready Network 2012 Workforce Summit is intended to help employers and other community leaders understand the benefits of using the National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC) to build a work-ready region in Central Louisiana.

The event will be held from 7:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16, at the Sai Convention Center in Alexandria and will welcome employers, educators and economic development professionals to collaborate and share the benefits of this nationally recognized certification.

“Today many businesses are competing harder for workers. This summit will present strategies that employers can use to find employees who fit their needs,” said Marjorie Taylor, executive director of The Orchard Foundation, which is hosting the event.

Summit keynote speakers and session leaders include: ACT’s Vice President of Workforce Development; Oklahoma’s Career Tech System; Community College of Vermont; Illinois Chamber of Commerce; Berner Food and Beverage; Fabric Images; Hoffer Plastics Corporation; Tiara Yachts; WorkSource Partners; Claremore High School in Claremore, Okla.; and the Elgin Illinois School District. 

These national employers will discuss how businesses benefit by integrating the NCRC into hiring and employee development systems. The mismatch between the skills required for most jobs and the skills of the U.S. workforce is having a significant impact on productivity and revenue across all businesses and industries. Panelists will discuss how their companies have used the NCRC as a reliable measure of foundational skills which ensures the hiring of the most qualified, trainable candidates. School districts and community colleges will discuss their role in partnering with business and industry to ensure that they are meeting the employment needs of the community.

This event is free, and lunch and refreshments will be served. For more information or to register, please visit www.theorchardfoundation.org Print