At the CBC Luncheon on August 22, the audience was treated to a panel discussion that outline how the Public Libraries Workforce Program is helping to build the workforce in our region.

•  Imagine you’re a professional with a solid company and are suddenly a victim of a corporate reduction in force?
•  Suppose you’re a young professional and want to switch career paths?
•  Picture yourself going back into the workforce after a long hiatus to raise your children?

You haven’t looked for a job in a long time and you know things have changed, particularly in technology. What do you do and to whom do you turn for support?

The Kenton Country Library Workforce Program

At the luncheon, Dave Schroeder, the Executive Director of the Kenton County Public Library (KCPL), explained, “We are passionate about helping people find jobs today and contributing to the workforce of tomorrow.”

He recounted how a few years ago, library staff noticed job seekers who used the library, struggled with how to use the computers, establish emails, complete online applications, and create and submit their resumes. To help the job seekers, the library put together some unique partnerships with top local organizations such as Kentucky Career Center, Northern Kentucky Workforce Investment Board, and Life Learning Center. The organizations began to meet regularly to review overall job transition efforts and to avoid program duplication.

The Northern Kentucky Accountability Group at the Kenton Country Library

The Northern Kentucky Accountability Group is a shining example of power of these partnerships. The group is led by Natalie Rupert, manager of Workforce Development at Kenton County Library. Approximately 75-90 job seekers meet weekly on Wednesdays from 9:15 am -11:30 am.  They get support and ideas to help them find and land new positions. Topics include:

• How to create your personal brand
• How to develop a job search campaign
• How to develop digital literacy skills (in partnership with Google)
• How to upgrade your LinkedIn profile
• How to network
• How to interview

Last month, the Kenton County Public Library offered 27 workforce programs with 890 participants. It’s only one of 4 libraries in Kentucky providing services at this level and it produces results! Over 200 participants found new careers in 2018-2019.

The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County 

David Siders, Civic Engagement Coordinator for the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County spoke about some of the following learning and research databases available:

• The career transitions database provides support as you create resumes, cover letters, and apply for positions.
• The popular treehouse database is a series of classes with advanced technology related topics including coding, web design, and app creation.

The four counties, Hamilton, Kenton, Boone and Campbell have a reciprocal agreement. As a resident of one of the counties, you have access to all the information at the others. The Workforce Programs are making a difference.  Executive Director Dave Schroeder said it best, “Libraries have evolved! We are not your parents’ library”.

For more information about Kenton County Library Workforce Programs, visit https://www.kentonlibrary.org/job-search-central

The Covington Business Council is proud to offer monthly luncheons for the busines community on various topics.  If you’d like more information about the Covington Business Council, please email Executive Director, Pat Frew at pfrew@cbcky.com