WESTFIELD – Sixty business and educational leaders met Tuesday morning at Tiger’s Pride restaurant in the Westfield Technical Academy for a meeting of the Westfield Education2Business Alliance. The theme of the breakfast was workforce development, and how schools and businesses could work together to increase opportunities for students and fulfill future demands for skilled workers.
Sixty business and education leaders met at the Westfield Technical Academy Tuesday morning for the Westfield Education2Business Alliance. (Photo by Amy Porter)
Westfield Public Schools superintendent Stefan Czaporowski, who co-chairs the Alliance with Greater Westfield Chamber of Commerce director Kate Phelon, spoke about the fast growth of the program.
“We’re discovering that possibilities are endless,” Czaporowski said.
“If you have concerns about your workforce, we want to know,” Phelon said.
During the discussion, Czaporowski said the three sub-committees of the Alliance (high schools, middle schools, elementary schools) are planning age appropriate career days or fairs over the next couple of months.
Kathleen O’Donnell, principal of the Southampton Road elementary school said her school held a career day before Christmas. “100 people came in from all walks of life. It was great,” O’Donnell said.
“That’s why we included elementary schools. We decided career exploration needs to start early. Get involved. Become mentors for students,” Phelon said.
“I’ve seen it. Students who are struggling with academics find a career and find their passion,” added Czaporowski.
Joseph Langone, principal of the Westfield Technical Academy said the Business Tech department in the school will also be holding mock interviews over the next couple of days.
Mayor Brian P. Sullivan said when he travels in the Commonwealth; he has businesses asking whether there are enough employees for them to move to Westfield.
“We do have companies knocking on our door, looking to come to Westfield. There are jobs out there, but not enough skilled workers. We are at arm’s length of a lot of resources,” Mayor Sullivan said. He suggested expanding the Alliance to include tours so students can see the opportunities available to them when they get out of school.
School Committee member William Duval suggested having students fill out questionnaires after the career fairs. Westfield community outreach coordinator Amber Danahey suggested following up the middle school career fairs with tours of the most popular employer.
“Open up your doors, get the students into your places of business,” said Phelon to the business leaders in the room.
“I know it’s going to be valuable for students, because we as the leadership team have toured Mestek and other companies, and have learned so much,” added Czaporowski.
Langone also noted that there is grant money from the Department of Education and DESAP for externships for teachers.
“I have to give a shout out to teachers who are willing to visit the businesses, ask questions, and adopt ideas into their curriculum. We never really talked before,” Phelon said.
Peter Miller, Westfield director of Community Development said the city is also trying to obtain more funding to expand opportunities for continuing education.
Larry Martin, director of employer services and engagement at the Regional Employment Board of Hampden County, said his organization is trying to offer a lot more career opportunities for Westfield, Chester and Russell residents, including workforce development and training. Martin said they will also be offering financial literacy for adults.
Jennifer Kinsman of the UW of Pioneer Valley said they have just hired someone for a Thrive Center to serve Holyoke and Westfield residents. Thrive Centers strengthen the financial capacity of community college students and area residents by promoting, supporting, through community collaborative efforts, access to a one-stop center offering financial literacy and coaching, workforce development services, and public benefit screening and enrollment. “We’re excited to have somebody hired,” Kinsman said.
Fort Meadow Early Childhood Center principal Joanne Hentnick said parents would be interested in financial literacy classes. She suggested holding meetings for parents that offer child care, and said Fort Meadow could be helpful in offering those services.
Czaporowski commented that was a good example of the collaboration coming out of the meetings.
Westfield Technical Academy junior Angela Shevchenko spoke about what she is learning in Business Technology. (Photo by Amy Porter)
Rob Ollari, student services coordinator for Westfield Technical Academy then introduced three students who spoke about what they are learning in the career programs at the school.
Junior Angela Shevchenko in Business Technology said she will be participating in the mock interviews, and hopes to go on a coop (Cooperative Education Program) at the end of the month. She said she has identified public speaking as an area she needs to work on, and participates in public announcements, as well as volunteering to speak at the meeting.
Coops provide an opportunity for students to participate in paid employment in their career and technology programs. Ollari said there are more than 40 students in coop internships at this time.
“One of the goals of this collaboration is to remind people there are a lot of great opportunities in Westfield,” said Langone at the end of the meeting.
