WINTER 2008

Articles:
Gold Collar Jobs: Apprenticeship Program Helps a Modern Manufacturer Meet Workforce Needs
Groundhog Job Shadow Day is February 2
Easier Than You’d Imagine! – Tips for Successful Job Shadow Days
Employers, Students Take Seats at the Table: a Career Education (Round)table
COMPACT in the News

Gold Collar Jobs: Apprenticeship Program Helps a Modern Manufacturer Meet Workforce Needs

Oberg Industries, a leading Pittsburgh region precision manufacturer and member of the Pittsburgh Regional Compact, is offering “gold collar” job opportunities, with advancement potential, and the company will even provide free education and paid training—all in the interest of fortifying its workforce.

“For students who are bright, have mechanical interests and creative skills, are good with their hands and who have decent math aptitude, Oberg Industries can promise well-paying, satisfying careers right here in the region. Oberg wants to connect with those students to inform them of the company’s precision manufacturing apprenticeship program. We want to reach these students before they feel compelled to choose college after high school or settle for uninspired work because they’ve ruled out college and don’t believe there are other considerations,” said Oberg Industries Human Resources Manager Dave Crawford.

Crawford isn’t shy about saying that the best candidates for the advanced manufacturing, gold collar jobs Oberg has to offer may be those individuals for whom attending college isn’t the right decision.
“Nearly half—41 percent—of high school students enrolled in college today won’t graduate,” said Crawford. “College shouldn’t be the only certain post-high school choice for students. There’s a reasonable alternative to college in our apprenticeship program that can lead to fulfilling careers and keep manufacturing on the move in Pittsburgh.”

Oberg’s Apprenticeship Program: Free Education, Paid Training
Representing advanced manufacturing, one of the Pittsburgh region’s key industry sectors fuelling our economy, Oberg Industries offers—and has been offering since 1971— a no-cost apprenticeship/competency-based training program that’s certified by the Department of Labor and the Veteran’s Administration. And those who are accepted into the program even get paid while participating in the classroom and on-the-job training. As an Oberg employee, an apprentice’s job is to learn the skills of the trade, which provides Oberg with the human capital necessary to prosper.

“Upon completing the program, apprentices are certified at a journey-worker level in a specific skilled area of work, for example, a machinist. These journey-worker credentials are recognized industry-wide and are similar to college degrees,” explained Crawford. “But unlike a college degree, which formally recognizes students’ preparation to think and to be qualified for consideration for various jobs and careers, a journey-worker certification is a portal to a respectable annually salary, plus benefits and bonuses.” And Oberg will pay, up to $5,250 per year, for certified journey workers to continue their education, if they want to pursue a college degree or graduate school beyond a bachelor’s degree. Opportunities for employee advancement are valued by Oberg, says Crawford. He points to the reality that a CEO and vice presidents of the company have come up through the ranks from the apprenticeship program. “There are opportunities for professional, personal, and monetary advancement at Oberg,” said Crawford.

Oberg Industries has become a member of the Pittsburgh Regional Compact to tap another outlet by which the company can advance its workforce development initiative, which is side by side with the Compact’s aim to build the workforce by creating employer-educator partnerships to prepare students for careers in the region.

The Jobs are Here … Well-Paying in a Climate-Controlled Environment
“I do outreach to 75 or 80 schools and career fairs annually, trumpeting opportunities in advanced manufacturing in the region and at Oberg, in particular,” said Crawford. “I tell them, ‘the jobs are here, and they’re well-paying, clean jobs in a climate-controlled environment.’ Ours are not old line manufacturing jobs. There’s misperception among guidance counselors, teachers and parents. These individuals either don’t know Oberg Industries—even those who live in the same communities where we have operations. These individuals, who influence young people’s career choices, may think that manufacturing work is dirty, mundane and dead end,” said Crawford.

“Our Doors are Open” – Teachers, Counselors Invited to Learn More About Working at Oberg”
“If you’re a teacher or a guidance counselor, our doors are always open. Come out to Oberg for a tour and see what precision manufacturing is all about. Come learn about our apprenticeship program—a completely free education—so that you can better guide your students in preparing for their futures in the world of work,” said Crawford.

“We are hoping that through the Compact, Oberg Industries will find new opportunities to connect with regional school districts—their teachers and guidance counselors—to work in partnerships to reach students about career opportunities in advanced manufacturing.”

These jobs are important not only to Oberg, but to the region and to the other companies here that demand manufacturing employees. Our corporate success has an impact on the broader economy. If we do well, we can continue to pay good wages and hire more people. Employees then spend their wages on goods and services regionally, and everyone benefits. It’s reciprocal. But if we have a workforce shortage and don’t have the individuals to hire and train, the impact will be just the opposite.

“We are very open to career education activities with schools such as job shadowing, career mentoring, classroom presentations and workplace tours. And in 2009, Oberg would like to launch an educator in the workplace program so that those who have career decision influence with students can get first-hand insights about why advanced manufacturing is a career option that deserves a second look,” said Crawford.

School districts participating in the Pittsburgh Regional Compact that would like to discuss career awareness partnerships with Oberg Industries should contact Dave Crawford at david.crawford@oberg.com or by phone at 724-295-2227, ext. 1489.

Groundhog Job Shadow Day is February 2
Readying the Region’s Future Workforce with Junior Achievement is Rewarding, Simple

On February 2, 2009, members of the region’s future workforce – students in grades 7-12 – would be thrilled to spend a few hours at one of our region’s many businesses or organizations to get an up-close look at what a “real job” in Pittsburgh is all about. Signing up (PDF file) now to host students for the Junior Achievement (JA) of Western Pennsylvania Groundhog Job Shadow Day is a great way for employers to ramp up for a new year of career education and workforce development partnerships—a hallmark of the Pittsburgh Regional Compact. The unique partnerships will not only teach students about future employment options but will help to fill the regional workforce pipeline.

Assisted by a comprehensive workplace coordinator’s planning guide, employers participating in Groundhog Job Shadow Day can help students identify the skills needed for success by:

• discussing their business or organization
• leading a facility tour
• offering hands-on opportunities
• providing lunch to students

Last year, more than 200 regional companies participated in placing 6,500-plus students in a JA Job Shadow experience. Local sign and graphic solutions company, FastSigns, was one of them. “We meet all of the students (usually in small groups of 4-6), give them a tour of our store and talk with them about their resumes and experiences,” said Owner Barbara Belle-Plutko. “Employees give the students first-hand knowledge of our operations, and we get them involved by having them make a sign – from design ideas to production – so they have something to show for their efforts that day. We also have pizza with everyone and discuss any questions that they may have.”

Another participating employer is Western Pennsylvania Hospital, which is part of one of the region’s significant employment sectors: health care. “We welcome students throughout the year to shadow many of our professionals to help make sure that students’ ‘dream careers’ are really right for them. Whether it confirms that a career is just right or all wrong for, the experience is successful because it helps students make a better career choice,” says Hope Paden Beck, director of Volunteer Services at Western Pennsylvania Hospital, Forbes Regional Campus.

Junior Achievement of Western Pennsylvania – the world’s 12th largest JA chapter – is significantly impacting the Pittsburgh region’s workforce. Dedicated to educating students about workforce readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy through experiential, hands-on programs, Junior Achievement of Western Pennsylvania has engaged more than 82,000 students with the help of more than 300 companies across its various programs last year alone.

In addition to job shadowing, there is a variety of other ways that companies and individuals can support the JA mission. Every year, thousands of classroom volunteers transform the key concepts of the JA curriculum into personal messages that inspire and empower students – tomorrow’s employees and the future of the Pittsburgh region.

Learn more at www.jawesternpa.org or contact Sarah Kelley with questions at 724-772-0256 or Skelley@jawesternpa.org. If your business or organization is already providing job shadow experiences, please contact Sarah to take advantage of a free job site/teacher/student guide. 

JA of Western Pennsylvania is a chapter of Junior Achievement Worldwide, the world’s largest organization dedicated to educating students about various aspects of workforce readiness.

Easier Than You’d Imagine! – Tips for Successful Job Shadow Days

Barbara Belle-Plutko, who has been organizing job shadow days at FastSigns for approximately eight years, shares advice on what makes them a success.

Was it a simple process to plan/execute?
Yes, this has been a simple process.  Junior Achievement provides a possible schedule for the day, which I tailor to our store.  This way, I am not recreating the process but the program is individualized to the needs and make-up of our company.

What did you do to create success?
I give the students an opportunity to talk to the other employees.  Some are closer to the students’ ages so they may ask questions that they won't ask me.  Plus, the employees give them first-hand knowledge of what they do.  We also have them involved in the making of a sign – from design ideas to production – so that they have something to show for their efforts that day.

What makes the effort worthwhile?
I belonged to Junior Achievement when I was their age so I like to give back.  Plus, I have children and I want them to be able to have experiences like this.  I know that my employees who are parents feel the same way. When their children are older they want them to have real life experiences.

Employers, Students Take Seats at the Table: a Career Education (Round)table

Editor’s Note: The partnership aspect of the Compact—one between employers and educators—
has been embraced by a number of employers, including Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania. This year,
the bank which offered several career education activities for both the students and faculty of The
Neighborhood Academy (see the archived Fall 2008 Quarterly for coverage of another Citizens
event). These can have impact either as a comprehensive career education initiative or as free-
standing activities that expose tomorrow’s workforce to employment opportunities in our region and
the path to preparing for them. For other employers considering their Compact career education
activities for 2009, profiles on what other businesses have successfully done can provide insight and
inspiration.

On October 9th, Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania hosted a roundtable discussion featuring
senior business professionals from the region. Approximately 50 11th and 12th grade students from
The Neighborhood Academy and the Allegheny Youth Development program interacted with
five diverse senior business professionals. These professionals talked about their career paths, their
perceptions of future workforce needs in the region and how today’s students should prepare
themselves for career opportunities with employers here. Participants included:

• Dr. William Carl, III, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary
  representing Higher Education

• Ms. Doris Carson Williams, African American Chamber of Commerce of Western PA
  representing Business Development Services

• Mr. Ron Davenport, Jr., Sheridan Broadcasting
  representing Broadcast Journalism

• Ms. Lourdes Sanchez Ridge, Thorp Reed & Armstrong
  representing Law, Philanthropy and Public Service

• Mr. Jacques L. Moye, Sr., MacGuire Woods
  representing Law, Philanthropy and Public Service

Citizens Bank Chairman Ralph J. Papa welcomed the students and encouraged them to tap the professional knowledge and experiences of the panel assembled to interact with them. “The region’s economy depends on developing and retaining a talented workforce equipped to succeed in the workplace. That’s why Citizens Bank joined forces with the Pittsburgh Regional Compact. This partnership is exposing students to career possibilities with Citizens Bank and other regional employers. We’re energizing tomorrow’s workforce about their futures here,” said Papa about Citizens decision to become a Compact member.

For nearly two hours, the panel and students participated in give-and-take dialogue about getting ready for the world of work. The following summarizes the main takeaway points:

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Lourdes Sanchez Ridge, senior counsel at Thorp Reed & Armstrong, said of her experience as a panelist, “Taking a group of young people and offering them an opportunity to explore the business world can only lead to success. Opportunities like this plant the seed for success and help to shape the transformation of a generation. Many of these young people will likely become great contributors to our society.”

GETTING A READ ON THE REGION

The panel agreed that educations and medical services are very much a part of the Pittsburgh region. These sectors will continue to offer a variety of job and career options. Yet, African American Chamber of Commerce of Western Pennsylvania President Doris Carson Williams believes that the region would benefit from a rise of young entrepreneurs and risk takers. “Pittsburgh needs more bright, determined young people who are willing to start their own businesses,” Williams told students. “The region also needs more African-American professionals. We had a good number at one time, but as the economy changed and as some companies moved, we lost some of the best people. We need to replenish the supply of African-American professionals here.”

CHARTING A COURSE FOR CAREER SUCCESS

The panel also concurred that students need to be proactive about shaping their futures. “Everyone needs a mentor,” said Carson Williams. “A mentor can make a huge difference in helping you to decide which path to take. If a mentor doesn’t find you, be aggressive about finding one for yourself.”

Panelist Jacques Moye, an attorney with MacGuire Woods, encouraged students to consider that the journey toward a fulfilling, successful career often begins with changing personal perceptions or attitudes early on. “Don’t be afraid to be different. Expect that you won’t be the coolest thing in the world right now,” said Moye, remembering his own sacrifices to attend Duquesne University School of Law at night while working full time. “Don’t let today’s ‘cool’ pull you away from the focus that will ensure your future success.”

READYING A WORKFORCE: WHERE TO START?

Employers, large and small, can help shape tomorrow’s regional workforce by sharing real-world insights about jobs and careers and by helping students understand what they need to do to
prepare for these opportunities. An employer’s first step is simple: join the Pittsburgh Regional Compact. When employers join, advisors are available to talk with them about what type of career education is feasible for them. Members can decide to host a series of events, such as Citizens Bank has done, or participate in only one event, such as Junior Achievement’s Groundhog Job Shadow Day (profiled in this issue). Compact advisors can help employers make connections with nearby schools seeking employer partners. There are a number of career education options to explore, such as job shadowing, career mentoring, work readiness training and internships. Compact members will have access to resources to help them plan activities and they can speak to fellow members to learn how they achieved success.

Get more information about the Pittsburgh Regional Compact by contacting Paul Leger at pleger@alleghenyconference.org or Will Bernstein at wbernstein@alleghenyconference.org.

COMPACT in the News

• November 2, 2008 - Workforce Development Key Goal – a letter from Allegheny Conference CEO Michael Langley to the editor of the Herald Standard (PDF file)

• November 6, 2008 - “Focusing on the Future” – Sewickley Herald

• December 10, 2008 – U.S. News & World Report – Nine Compact member schools have made this national publication's list of the best public high schools in the country, underscoring the excellent preparation for post–secondary education and for careers after graduation for the regional workforce of tomorrow.

The Pittsburgh Regional Compact is an employer-driven initiative collaboratively
sponsored by the Allegheny Conference on Community Development, business
leaders, educators, students, educational institutions and workforce development
organizations across the 10-county Pittsburgh region.