Month: February 2022

Goal Crushing Strategies for your Job Search

Posted on by Susquehanna Workforce Network

Goal Crushing Strategies for your Job Search

How to Visualize and Manifest a Successful Career by Setting Achievable Goals

By: Jessica Fessler

I wasn’t always a goal setter. I never understood the difference between having goals and setting them into motion. It took until my late 20’s to realize the value in setting realistic expectations.

Consistently, I would set large goals, “The End Goal” and would leave feeling empty when I failed to achieve them. It wasn’t until COVID-19 that I was able to take a step back and understand the science behind breaking down my goals into smaller, more satisfying milestones. It was then that I began to see my success.

But what do you do if you’re feeling overwhelmed or rushed?

Here are my 3 key goal-setting tips for you to keep in mind when CRUSHING your goals:

Mini Vs. Massive

An achievers mind-set is always focused on the big picture, but it’s important to remember that even big goals, start out small. Setting smaller, easily attainable goals within your overall plan helps keep you on track. It’s easy to forget that forward motion is forward motion. While it can feel like a sprint to the finish-line, it is important to keep in mind that crushing your goals means preparing for a marathon.

Keep Yourself Accountable

Tracking your progress helps you visualize how far you’ve come. This might seem trivial if you’re just starting out, but sometimes the first step is the hardest. Goal tracking apps like Strides allow you to organize and customize what you track, best of all its FREE! If you prefer something tangible, vision boards are a great way to keep your goals front and center.

Surround Yourself with Support

Find groups within your community who share your goals. Sometimes friends and family don’t offer the support you’re looking for. Support from those in a similar position as you can be motivating on days when you feel like throwing in the towel.

Networking events are a great opportunity to find like-minded individuals. Virtual happy hour events allow you to network from the comfort of your own home!

Workforce development organizations not only provide services, but are a space for goal-oriented individuals to come and thrive.

Susquehanna Workforce Network has an abundance of resources available to help you achieve your goals. Whether you’re looking to go back to school, find a new job or start your own business, SWN has the resources to set your goals into motion.

Now, put yourself out there and CRUSH your goals!

Manufacturing Job Training

Posted on by Susquehanna Workforce Network

COVID-19 has lead to many people looking to change careers — call today to learn about free training opportunities!

Harford County: 410-272-5400

Cecil County: 410-996-0550

Overview

The Susquehanna Workforce Network and Harford Community College are collaborating on a production technician training program that will enable students who complete the program to be hired into manufacturing jobs, one of the highest-paying employment sectors in the region. Funded by an EARN Maryland grant issued through the Maryland Department of Labor, students can enroll in the program at no cost to themselves.

April 18 – June 2, 2022

The courses are:

  • Basic Machining
  • Print Reading
  • Maintenance Shop Skills
  • Hydraulics/Pneumatic Controls
  • Basic Electricity
  • Motor Controls/Introduction To Programmable Logic Controllers
  • Forklift Operator Certification

Upon completion of the program, students will be qualified for jobs such as machine operators, maintenance mechanics/helpers, applied engineering technicians and forklift operators.

Course Timeline

Basic Machining – 24 hours

This course provides an introduction to a variety of material-working processes that are common to the machining industry. Topics include safety, process-specific machining equipment, measurement devices, set-up and layout instruments, and common shop practices. Upon completion, students should be able to be knowledgeable of safety procedures, identify basic machining operations, perform basic measurements.

Print Reading – 12 hours

This course introduces the basic principles of print reading. Topics include line types, orthographic projections, dimensioning methods, and notes. Upon completion, students should be able to interpret basic prints and visualize the features of a part or system.

Maintenance Shop Skills- 12 hours

This course covers force and motion, work and energy, and fluid mechanics as applied in industrial maintenance. Explains principles of operation for simple machines, such as the lever, inclined plane, wheel and axle, pulley, and screw. Explains the basic elements of industrial machines, as well as common measurement tools used to monitor and adjust equipment. Covers hand tools, power tools and fasteners, ending with a discussion of ways to reduce friction and wear.

Hydraulics/Pneumatic Controls- 24 hours

This course introduces the basic principles of hydraulics and applies these principles to build, maintain and troubleshoot industrial transmission hydraulic circuits. Covers theory, generation, storage, transmission, and usage of hydraulic energy, pressure, and flow. Introduces hydraulic schematics and circuits as well as identification and operation of basic hydraulic components.

Additionally, this course introduces the basic physics of energy, work, and power as related to pneumatics. It explains gas laws, flow, pressure, and the basic components of a pneumatic system. It includes air preparation and conditioning, calculation of force and torque, and graphic symbols.

Basic Electricity- 18 hours

This course will enable students to learn the terminology, basic electrical skills, and the use of hand tools and electrical materials. Students will cover basic electrical theory and perform basic mathematical computations, learn layout for installation, repair of electrical fixtures, installation of fixtures, basic wiring, light fixtures, safety procedures, and more.

Motor Controls/lntro to Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC’s)- 12 hour

This course introduces the fundamental concepts of motors and motor controls. Topics include ladder diagrams, pilot devices, contactors, motor starters, motors, and other control devices. Upon completion, students should be able to properly select, connect, and troubleshoot motors and control circuits.

Motor Controls/lntro to Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC’s)- 12 hour

This course introduces the fundamental concepts of motors and motor controls. Topics include ladder diagrams, pilot devices, contactors, motor starters, motors, and other control devices. Upon completion, students should be able to properly select, connect, and troubleshoot motors and control circuits.

Forklift Operator/Certification- 8 hours

Satisfies 29 CFR 1910.178, OSHA’s 1998 revised Powered Industrial Truck Operator Training Standard. This course includes both classroom and hands-on training for first-time drivers and individuals needing refresher training. Must be 18 years old and possess a valid driver’s license. Forklift experience recommended. Eighth grade reading level preferred.

Location

Harford Community College , Leading Edge Training Center, Harford Technical High School

Interested in this Training Program? Please complete the application below!

Equal Opportunity Employer/Program

Top Employee Benefit to Boost Retention in 2022

Posted on by Susquehanna Workforce Network

By: Jessica Fessler

Physical Health Programs and Mental Health Programs were listed as the two most popular employee benefits of 2022, but what are prospective employee’s really looking for in these programs? Beyond standard health insurance, many consumers continue to value supplemental health services. Covid-19 had consumers using their health insurance benefits in record numbers; Consumers increased their intimate knowledge of how these services work in real time. Now, consumers are reevaluating which benefits offer considerable value.

Consumers have become savvier about health insurance in the years since the Affordable Care Act. An influx of cost-comparison tools has made it easier for users to compare employer contribution. Insignificant employer contribution is becoming more apparent. Employers who provide significant employer contributions have a competitive edge, but are still lacking. So what benefit speaks to the health insurance savvy, younger generations?

Three words- Premium Health Services.

HRA’s

Health Reimbursement Accounts are an employer funded health benefit plan that reimburses employees for out-of-pocket medical expenses, in some cases an HRA’s will cover health insurance plan premiums up front. The flexibility of an HRA offers employee’s the opportunity to make more personalized health decisions, including the ability to use premium health services that are not traditionally covered.

Boosted Mental Health Benefits

Due to the pandemic, mental health services are strained. Most emergency assistance programs lack a usable network of providers. Online telemed services are becoming increasingly more popular. Companies such as Ginger, are targeting employers by offering a structured telemed benefit similar to that of Cerebral and other online only mental health services. These services which are traditionally excluded from health insurance coverage, are generally eligible for HRA reimbursement.

Physical Health Programs

Due to Covid-19, consumers are spending more time in the home. Use of traditional health and wellness programs are fleeting. More consumers are leaning towards meal prep services and in-home gym equipment. Off-site health programs and gym equipment stipends will soon replace more traditional avenues of wellness benefits.

Benefit to Employers

The return on your non-traditional investment is simple. With burn-out rates skyrocketing, we’re beginning to see a shift in value. Consumers’ are placing self-care first. Candidates are quick to identify employers who genuinely value employee health and well-being. Demonstrating investment in employee health is not only a recruitment strategy; Development of a healthier workforce will result in higher retention rates.

Does your organization value employee health?

For more information please call 410-939-4240 and ask to speak with a Business Services Representative.

Are you a jobseeker looking for an employer?

Visit: https://mwejobs.maryland.gov/