It Takes a Village to Maintain an Adaptable Workforce

Looking back on this year, the Workforce Development Center would like to extend its gratitude to all businesses, organizations, and individuals who have opened their doors and provided professional mentorship to our participants. Whether we serve in-school youth or out-of-school adults, all of our WDC programs share one common goal – to fulfill the employment needs of our local businesses by providing tailored support, individualized career planning, and skills training to the most needed populations within our county. However, it is impossible to tackle this task alone. It certainly takes a village. 

Through our newest program this year, Next-Gen Career Academy, junior and senior high-school students throughout Dutchess County continue to gain valuable real-world experiences through paid internships within a diverse range of career clusters such as childhood education, technology, and the public sector. Youth One Stop has also undergone a new change this year with its new collaboration with Smart Staffing Group Inc. Unlike Next-Gen Career Academy, Youth One Stop participants can take advantage of many paid work experiences such as job shadows, transitional jobs, and internship placements that align with their strengths, interests, and career goals. After a work experience is completed, program Youth Service Specialists will work with participants to develop the skills needed to enter into their desired careers through advanced training or other enhanced educational opportunities. Through this new collaborative effort, participants have gained extensive knowledge and skills that have allowed many to successfully embark on their careers afterward.

We are humbled to have such a giving and supportive business community that keeps the sentiment of our mission alive. As we enter the New Year, the WDC team continues strategizing innovative ways to build and maintain an adaptable workforce. For further information on our programs, please contact Katrina Gobins at katrina@dcrcoc.org.