Free Youth Summit to Offer Career Path "Test Drives"

Westchester-Putnam Workforce Development Board’s 2019 Youth Summit to Offer Career Path “Test Drives” to Area Youth

On Thursday, April 18, 2019 the Westchester-Putnam Workforce Development Board, in conjunction with the Business Council of Westchester, will host the 8th Annual Youth Summit for individuals ages 16 – 24. The theme of this year’s Summit is “Test Drive a Career Path” with the goal for attendees to spend the day “test driving” potential career opportunities to get hands-on experience, uncover talents, and discover how interests and passions can build a bright future!

There is no cost to attend and complimentary breakfast and lunch will be provided. Advance registration is required by April 11, 2019 by visiting www.thebcw.org. The Summit will take place at Crowne Plaza Hotel at 66 Hale Avenue in White Plains, New York from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM. Registration will take place at 8:30 AM and programs will begin at 9:00 AM. Free parking is available at the hotel.

The day will include interactive workshops designed to pique interest in several exciting sectors:
• Aviation – an exploration of career pathways on the ground and in the air.
• Healthcare – opportunities abound to work with medical professionals in all specialties.
• Technology – you could be designing the next big app, video game, or electronic device.
• Hospitality/Culinary – a wide variety of careers where a passion for food and/or travel can take you all over the world.
• Skilled Trades – opportunities to use your hands in skilled professions like construction, plumbing, and electrical.

This year’s Keynote Speaker is Orane Barrett, Founder and Chief Executive of Kool Nerd Club. Kool Nerd Club is a “digital guidance counseling” company with a mission to provide more information about and earlier exposure to S.T.E.M.-related careers to students in high school. Kool Nerd aims to address the skills gap dilemma facing employers today and ensure diverse Americans are part of the future talent supply. Orane earned a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from University of Rochester and an MBA from MIT’s Sloan School of Business. Prior to founding Kool Nerd Club in 2016, Orane had a career in finance and operations management with such firms as Credit Suisse, UBS, and Intel.

“The Youth Summit is a hands-on interactive day where youth can hear about in-demand business sectors, learn valuable workplace skills, interact with local business owners, and workforce agencies, and of course, “test drive” potential careers that will match their passions to potential career pathways. We are grateful to our partners from the business community who understand the value in preparing youth for the workforce,” stated Nicole Paige, Interim Director of Workforce & Employer Development for the Business Council of Westchester.

“It's great to aspire to go to college, but that's not the only route to get a great job. We need to work with our educational institutions to get them more information about the varying routes to certain jobs and how to get credentials and certifications, not only from four-year colleges but the community colleges and BOCES,” expanded Thom Kleiner, Executive Director, Westchester-Putnam Workforce Development Board.

The event is coordinated through the Business Council of Westchester and offered under the auspices of Westchester-Putnam Workforce Development Board and sponsors, NY Institute of Technology, Wegmans, and Veekast.

Register online at https://westchesterbuscouncilnyassoc.wliinc28.com/events/WestchesterPutnam-Youth-Summit-2019-1554/details by April 11. Call Nicole Paige at 914-948-2110 Ext. 303 for more information.

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THE WESTCHESTER-PUTNAM WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT BOARD (WPWDB) is comprised of leaders and staff of state and county government agencies, non-profits, public education, and the private sector who work together to strengthen the partnerships between business, education, and service providers within the “Career Center Network” to meet the needs for a skilled workforce. The WPWDB pursues funding opportunities and develops model programs and leading-edge practices. The “Network” is made up of four Career Centers (White Plains, Mount Vernon, Peekskill, and Carmel) as well as partner agencies that provide state-of-the-art technology, training, resources, and services to youth, adults and employers. For more information, visit www.westchesterputnamonestop.com.

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WESTCHESTER COUNTY OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, The Office of Economic Development works to improve the County’s economic well-being and quality of life. This includes a broad range of activities to attract, create and retain jobs, and to foster a resilient, pro-growth and inclusive economy. Westchester is led by County Executive George Latimer, who took office in January 2018 as the ninth County Executive. Learn more about Westchester County by visiting www.westchestergov.com

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