Philly SHRM Strategic Initiatives
Published: December 4, 2024
By: Krystina E. Daniels, SPHR
On Wednesday, November 6, 2024, the Philly SHRM Workforce Development Committee convened employers, workforce development agencies, and community partners to discuss the value of hiring untapped talent. The workforce development team has a mission to mobilize the HR community to embrace untapped talent pools and activate a skills-first mindset for recruitment, hiring, and retention.
The team’s vision is to be the leading voice at the intersection of human resource management and workforce development partnership and strategy. They are actively seeking partnerships with companies dedicated to recruiting and hiring untapped talent that includes individuals with records, veterans, caregivers, and opportunity youth between 16-24 who are neither enrolled in school nor employed. Additionally, they are eager to connect with organizations passionate about mentoring Opportunity Youth through transformative work-based learning experiences including apprenticeships. Together, they aim to forge a brighter future and unlock the potential of untapped talent in the region.
Workforce Development Goals: The overall goal of the Workforce Development team is to give organizations access to untapped diverse talent who may be overlooked. The members in attendance were key stakeholders and decision-makers in top companies in the area. These organizations and their leaders are looking to adopt a skills-first mindset when it comes to overall hiring practices. They discussed how hiring individuals who are in tune with the company’s mission and vision was important to each individual organization. However, some of these leaders still encounter challenges when it comes to hiring diverse talent and accessing diverse candidate pools.
Upskilling Potential: One of the exciting topics explored was the incredible potential for upskilling within organizations. Upskilling empowers employees to expand their skill sets, opening doors to new opportunities and career advancement. By investing in the development of additional competencies, individuals are not only enhancing their professional value but also positioning themselves for future roles that spark their passion. This initiative not only benefits personal growth but also fosters a dynamic and innovative workplace culture.
Internal Promotions: Dawn Bruno spoke about an HR role in her company and instead of outsourcing to fill the requisition, they trained and prepped a loyal employee who was ready to promote into the position. Not only was the employee excited about this challenge they also are currently preparing to be certified in human resources. It pays to take a good look at the people who are working for you and extend opportunities for promotion from within. Jeff Missan SHRM-SCP, SEPTA, stated that 70% of their internal roles are promotions from within.
Opportunity Youth: Dana Riker Jackson, the founder of the U-ROC Leadership Ready to Work Program, has been affirming Opportunity Youth through her organization for the past three years. Not only has the program been a major success, but there is also an opportunity for companies to partner with U-ROC to benefit more individuals ages 16-24. Jackson states, “She has been doing talent development for 27 years and created this program to close the gap between Opportunity Youth and companies needing top diverse talent.”
Apprenticeship Programs: Apprenticeships are empowering young individuals and adults in the Philadelphia region by providing access to employment opportunities that might otherwise be out of reach. These programs are not just pathways to jobs; they are essential bridges connecting individuals to meaningful careers and a brighter future. Programs such as Philly SHRM’s Lift Lab and talent accelerator initiative are consistently creating valuable opportunities throughout the city.
The Workforce Development team is excited about the opportunities to collaborate with companies invested in the needs of the community. There is the Philly SHRM Symposium coming up on March 20, 2025, at the Hilton Philadelphia City Avenue. For additional ways to partner with the Philly Workforce Development team, contact workforcedev@phillyshrm.org.
About the Author: Krystina E. Daniels, the HR Manager for Beck Institute, holds a Bachelor of Science in Cultural Communication from the University of Phoenix, a Master of Science in Human Resource Management from Wilmington University, and is pursuing a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership and Innovation from Wilmington University. She is also certified in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from the University of South Florida and holds an SPHR certification.
Krystina is a volunteer with the Philly SHRM Workforce Development Team, giving her the chance to bridge the gap for opportunity youth and individuals who may not have access to traditional means of education and or employment. Her vast experience includes providing leadership and human resources services, including training, recruitment, and organizational development. Assisting individuals and organizations with strategic planning, coaching, and mentoring employees, managing diversity initiatives, conducting workplace investigations; and designing employee surveys.
Editor: Dennis Paris
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