Workforce Board launches 'career connections podcasts'

The Buffalo and Erie County Workforce Investment Board (WIB) has launched a new workforce podcast initiative titled “Workforce Buffalo Career Connections.” The podcasts will highlight the employment and training opportunities that exist in this region and how both job seekers and employers can tap into the many available local resources.

A press release said, “COVID-19 has dramatically impacted the workforce landscape in Erie County. Listeners will have an opportunity to hear and learn directly from employers and training professionals how to tap into today’s job market. They will also gain a better understanding of what drives our local economy and what we, as a community, can look forward to in the future. Local and national workforce professionals will also be featured. Learn where industry is hiring and how to access training in a demand occupation. Employers will learn how to tap into the many available workforce training programs and resources geared to growing a business.”

Spencer Murray, a board member and the official host of the podcast, said, “Preparing people to have the skills necessary for current and future career opportunities is vital both for employers and the American economy. Recent events have only highlighted the urgent need to improve career resources and education so they can match the unique potential in every job seeker.”

Executive Director Geoff Szymanski said, “The Buffalo and Erie County Workforce Investment Board is very excited to sponsor the ‘Workforce Buffalo Career Connections’ podcasts. This innovative approach will serve to highlight the many untapped resources and training opportunities that are available to both job seekers and our business community. It will also provide a better understanding of the many challenges facing our community and how we are viewing these challenges as opportunities. I encourage everyone in the community to tune-in.”

The “Workforce Buffalo Career Connections” podcast will be available on the organization website, at http://workforcebuffalo.org, and on all podcast platforms – including Spotify, Apple Podcast, Google Podcast and WorkforcePods.

Workforce development efforts in Buffalo and Erie County are led by WIB, which is legislated and funded under the Federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity. The local workforce area was formed through a partnership between Erie County and the City of Buffalo.

WIB provides workforce development and employment services to unemployed, under-employed and dislocated individuals residing in Buffalo and Erie County. In addition, the WIB brings together industry, education, economic development and other community stakeholders to address local workforce issues. Focusing on targeted industry sectors and in-demand occupations, the WIB works to identify solutions that address the employment needs of employers and the local labor market. Workforce services and training opportunities are made available through a network of career centers located throughout Erie County.

For more information on the Buffalo & Erie County Workforce Investment Board and its partner organizations, visit http://workforcebuffalo.org.