Workforce & Education Summit

The Workforce & Education Summit held at Pioneer Technology Center yesterday was a hit.  Keynote speaker Mark Perna opened the day with a dynamic presentation on Focus, Plan and Action when addressing workforce and education alignment and current workforce gaps.  Perna gave a "call to action" for the employers, educators and support organizations in the room.  This lead into a panel discussion of local employers (picture above) talking about pressure points.  Moderator for the panel was Adam Leaming, Ponca City Public School Superintendent; (standing) and from left to right seated:  Mark Perna; Chris Mendoza, Integris Hospital; Robbie Powell, Cookshack; Erik Peitz, CME and Jeff Williams, Centerline.   Topics on the panel included what types of programs each of the businesses had to recruit and keep employees, training and future plans to fill their employee pipelines. 

Next up was an interactive lunchtime with table discussions followed by Joe Cox and John Woods presenting information on registered apprenticeships.  This included how to get started, the funding that is available (yes, there is money for your company's apprenticeship program) and how their office will sit down with your company to fill out the paperwork.  

Then Gen Z took the stage.  Laurence Beliel, PCDA was the moderator for these twenty somethings who are living and/or working in our community.  They had a lot to say about being in the workforce, what motivates them to work and why they do what they do.  From left to right below:  Dylan Magic, CPM Bliss; Jenna Wells, WTA Architects; Maddie Newcomb, Marland's Place and Josh Brown K&C Manufacturing.  These Z'ers gave the room some lighthearted moments, from calling the 40 hour work week "A scam" to emphasizing that there has to be life/work balance for employees.  Not just Gen Z, but everyone.  

Whether you were a participant, a panelist or a partner, PCDA, Pioneer Technology Center, NOC and The Ponca City Chamber thank you for being part of this conversation.  Because this is just the start.  Fill out those surveys and get ready for more conversations on the future of workforce and education in Ponca City.   If you have questions or would like access to the information shared during the Summit, please contact Liz Leaming at lleaming@goponca or call the office at 580.765.7070.