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Application open for 2023 Business Engagement Learning Lab (BELL) until 12/16

WPTI invites all workforce development programs to apply to participate in Business Engagement Learning Lab (BELL).

(BELL)

Job development. Redefined.

Application open until Friday, December 16 at 5pm

WHAT:

BELL is a three-month rigorous cohort-based training initiative that equips workforce programs with the advanced employer engagement techniques and operational skills needed to thrive in a time of labor market upheaval.

BELL brings together teams of practitioners from multiple organizations for eight full-cohort workshops + two individualized implementation strategy sessions.

BELL teams are made up of job development supervisors and junior- to mid-level job developers to translate new concepts into improved practice.

TOPICS: Over the course of eight full-cohort workshops, BELL participants learn:

  • proven success drivers for business engagement
  • how to overcome employer concerns about workforce development programs
  • value-based approaches to level the playing field with employers
  • enhanced marketing and messaging to grab employer's attention, including social media to build visibility
  • strategic communications to sustain and deepen employer relationships
  • best practices for restructuring workloads to maximize results
  • targeted business development using Labor Market Intelligence (LMI)
  • job quality and career pathways planning to create long-term success for working participants
  • best practices from peer organizations
  • And much, much more . . .

WHO: Workforce practitioners from organizations that assist low-income job seekers in finding employment. Each organization will send a team of three members:

  • the supervisor of job development (or higher)
  • two junior- to mid-level job developers (smaller programs may send only one job developer)

**Because BELL is a cumulative learning experience, organizations must commit to sending the same staff members to all sessions**

WHEN: BELL combines full-cohort workshops + individual implementation strategy sessions.

  • 8 full-cohort workshops (16 hours total)
    • Wednesdays, January 11 - March 1, 2023. (Dates are 1/11, 1/18, 1/25, 2/1, 2/8, 2/15, 2/22, 3/1)
    • Each session runs from 1:00-3:00 pm.
  • 2 implementation strategy sessions (2 hours total)
    • Session 1 (60 minutes): scheduled individually in March
    • Session 2 (60 minutes): scheduled individually in April.

WHERE: BELL meets virtually via Zoom Meeting 

  • All BELL sessions incorporate interactive components, including group discussions, breakout rooms, and more.

For maximum effectiveness, every participant should be located in a space free of distractions with a laptop or desktop and reliable internet service.  Joining via smartphone is highly discouraged.

COST: $300 / $175 (fee covers entire team)

  • $300 for organizations that do not currently receive funding from The Pinkerton Foundation
  • $175 for current Pinkerton Foundation grantees.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS: https://wpti.questionpro.com/BELLApplication 

  • The program director or job development supervisor should complete the application.
  • Please submit only one application per organization.

Questions about the application or eligibility? Contact Dan Salemson, Managing Director of Learning and Technology at dsalemson@wpti.org.

WPTI is grateful to The Pinkerton Foundation for its generous support in underwriting BELL.