chester’s mentoring initiative
December 2023
Member Announcements:
Registration is now open for Delco Gives Day 2024! Head over to delcogives.org to register your nonprofit today.
Till 1/15/24 CASA Youth Advocates will be collecting health and beauty care items for children and youth served by the child welfare community in Delaware and Chester Counties. On MLK Day, our supporters will come together to sort and distribute care packages to youth. You can find items to donate to our drive on our Amazon wish list: https://tinyurl.com/3r2h9fff
Please join Widener University and its community partners to celebrate the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. All are welcome to attend. Register here: MLK 2024 Day of Service
Our featured speakers in December were Toni Neary, Director of Community Engagement & Workforce Innovation for the SME (formerly Society of Manufacturing Engineers) and Therese M Schustrich, Account Executive Workforce Education, Workforce Education Group, Tooling U - SME, who discussed workforce development opportunities for under-served populations. Here are some highlights:
Some people say a job is just an acronym for “just over broke” but manufacturing jobs are hungry for talent, have sustainable salaries and are accessible to homeless populations and justice-impacted individuals.
In PA, there are over 550,000 manufacturing jobs with an average annual compensation of $82k and the opportunity to make extra money by working extra shifts.
Most manufacturers have robust training plans. Employers are willling to invest in those who arrive on time with a good work ethic and can pass a drug test, even if the individual has transportation challenges, have to meet regularly with a parole officer or has other limitations.
Many manufacturers now have trauma-based education for its employees so that managers and colleagues have compassion and understand the issues and limitations that some individuals face and can support their success.
Employers know that good workers who are supported will have a lot of loyalty, and that is motivational for employers who don’t want a lot of turnover.
Workers can often find flexibility around parenting schedules and other priorities.
Anyone who likes video games should consider a career in programming and machining.
A huge percentage of males are tactile learners, who learn best by doing. College isn’t for everyone, and there are other options that have great career trajectories.
There are 22-25 hour online training modules that could get someone ready for work in less than a week. For example, participants in a 22-hour online training can earn a certification in Robotics in Manufacturing Fundamentals. Get a quick overview at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PbnD0a70Hgc
Youth programs, high school, and adult programs can access the Tooling U-SME curriculum to prepare for such certifications. Here’s a helpful local contact: Ellen Harvilla – Director, HR & Training & Education Manager, Delaware County MEP (Manufacturing Extension Partnership) https://www.dvirc.org/ – Phone 215.464.8550 – email: eharvilla@dvirc.org
Many are inspired by Drew Crowe, who went from being a teenage father and two-time felon to a college graduate who realized the potential of a career path in the manufacturing industry.
Al Counce’s story is also inspirational.
Another great success story can be found at https://www.sme.org/technologies/articles/2023/january/goodwill-toward-manufacturing-men-and-women/
Learn more at:
Please direct questions to Therese M Schustrich, Account Executive Workforce Education, Workforce Education Group, Tooling U - SME, 216-706-6630, Therese.Schustrich@toolingu.com
Please email jeannine@chesteruplandyouthsoccer.org to receive a copy of this presentation and other materials.