Building the Talent Pipeline in South Jersey: From Classroom to Career

Many South Jersey companies reportedly are running into the same two problems: the talent pipeline isn’t producing the people they need, and new hires take too long to get up to speed. Both problems could be resolved by building talent pipelines earlier using strategies and state resources that are working for other South Jersey businesses. Building that pipeline requires more than individual programs. It takes employers, education, workforce partners, and community leaders working together to create clearer pathways from classroom to career. Attendees will: Hear directly from organizations that are developing local young adult talent through career pathways and workforce opportunities. Coriell Institute for Medical Research and Cooper University Health Care will share how they scoped roles, handled supervision, and worked through the obstacles that stop most organizations before they start. Understand the state's view of what's coming and what's funded. The New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development will share which occupations are growing in the region, which funding streams employers can access now, and how to successfully navigate the approval process. Engage in real-talk on the barriers employers face when creating internships, work-based learning, and other career-connected experiences. From navigating “age-restrictions” to identifying resources, partnerships, and strategies that can help companies move from talent pipeline need to youth workforce development pathway. Leave with at least one concrete next step to strengthen your organization’s talent pipeline and expand career-connected opportunities for young people in your community. This breakfast will bring together two things we’ve heard employers rarely get in the same room: (1) a candid account from employers who are doing the work to develop young adult talent; and (2) a clear picture of what (and how) the state is funding talent development pipelines across industries and sectors. We invite you to join us—whether you've hosted interns for years, are weighing your first one, or just want to understand what this would take. Wherever you are on the talent development pipeline or youth workforce trajectory, you will have something to gain and to contribute to this conversation. Featured Speakers Pavithra Lakshminarayan, Sector Strategist – Business Engagement & Sector Strategies, New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development Antoinette Fugee, Director of Workforce Development Organizational Effectiveness and Learning, Cooper University Health Care Robert Elefante, Manager of Human Resources, Coriell Institute for Medical Research Event Co-Hosts Dr. Donnell Butler, President & Founder, Prelude Dr. Keisha Stephenson Taylor, Nonprofit Leader and College & Career Readiness Expert Sarah Barrett, Managing Director of Strategy & Operations, Prelude Light breakfast will be served.