SWRPC Co-Organizes Workforce Discussion Series

• November 5, 2021
• Economic Development

The Monadnock Region, like many parts of the country, is experiencing an unprecedented workforce shortage. Although recent economic disruption has heightened our workforce challenges, the issue predates the pandemic and is long term in nature. Addressing these challenges will require all hands on deck: educational institutions, employers, local government, the non-profit sector, and others. It will require close coordination—enhancing existing partnerships and developing new ones. The ramifications affect not only individual employers but the region as a whole. We see its effects in restaurants closing early, construction projects stalling, patients struggling to access medical services in a timely manner, students waiting longer to get picked up by the bus, and businesses passing up contracts due to inadequate staffing. One way or another, the issue touches all of us.

A proactive, coordinated approach is needed to address our workforce challenges. To that end, the Greater Keene and Peterborough Chamber, in partnership with Southwest Region Planning Commission, is organizing a multipart series dedicated to the topic. The series is intended to help community stakeholders understand (1) how they can support and take advantage of successful programs already in place and (2) where innovation and new programming may be needed.

The first session, scheduled for November 9th from 8:00 – 9:30 a.m. will focus career pathways for K-12 and community college students. We’ll hear from panelists in the education and workforce development arena about success stories, remaining gaps, and what’s on the horizon for this area of the workforce landscape.

This is a virtual meeting. Attendees can register here. Zoom meeting instructions will be sent with registration confirmation.