EB program a model for others?

A state-supported workforce plan for General Dynamics Electric Boat will provide industry-specific training to EB employees at the New England Institute of Technology, Community College of Rhode Island and Westerly Higher Education and Job Skills Center – after workers are on payroll.

The partnership, Pipelines to Manufacturing Careers in Ship Building, brings together higher education, government and business to target the skills gap that has plagued many Rhode Island employers.

While Electric Boat is the beneficiary, could the program serve as a model for other local businesses?

Gov. Gina M. Raimondo didn’t directly respond to the question in an email, but said to solve the skills gap the state must allow companies and industries to identify what they need before applying state resources.

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“Listening to employers, building the right public-private partnerships to drive needed change and aligning our skills programs and labor force accordingly are the heart of our demand-driven strategy to rejuvenate the Rhode Island economy,” she said.

To start, EB was awarded a $369,500 Real Jobs Rhode Island grant to fund program development.

Mike Healey, chief public affairs officer for the R.I. Department of Labor & Training, said EB would need funding through 2020, “and likely much longer,” to meet its needs.

The plan calls for training 336 workers, averaging $6,000 each. If EB reaches that target, it could cost the state up to $2 million each year from now through 2020. Healey, however, said that assumes every new EB hire goes through Real Jobs Rhode Island, which he said won’t happen.

He added the state feels “confident” it can fund the partnership fully at least through 2017.

Giselle Mahoney, Tech Collective’s director of industry, advocacy and programs, said the program could be a model for the tech industry.

“It’s unrealistic to expect schools to teach every in-demand technology for every career field. … A program like what EB is doing is the bridge, teaching students the exact skills they need for jobs right now,” she said.

While Tech Collective does not directly hire workers, it oversees and works to improve industry workforce practices.

“We are entering new territory when it comes to hiring practices,” said Mahoney. She thinks the need for certain credentials from all employees should be re-examined.

But what might be good for tech may not work in health care, said Lisa Abbott, Lifespan’s senior vice president for human resources.

“Because the majority of skilled trade professionals in health care provide direct patient care, it is essential they are trained prior to joining the workforce,” she said.

“Certain licenses, certifications, skills and experience are not only required, but mandated for employment,” Abbott said. •

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