Biotech Firms Invited to Join Sector Partnership

Westchester and Putnam Counties are home to a thriving biotechnology industry, and include companies involved in life sciences, pharmaceutical, engineering, manufacturing and sales. The Biotech Sector employs approximately 20 percent of the total biotech workforce in New York State. This increasingly important market sector is a major contributor to today and tomorrow’s workforce, as a driver of economic vitality for our region, and for New York State.

The Westchester/Putnam Business Sector Partnershipwas developed by public and private sector business leaders to help identify their workforce challenges and provide resources to support area employers in an increasingly demanding, dynamic and competitive market.

The Business Sector Partnership offers Westchester and Putnam County employers the opportunity to participate as members in seven key industry sectors, including Business Services, Biotech, Green, Healthcare, Hospitality, Advanced Manufacturing, and Not for Profits. The Mission of the Sector Partnership is to engage local employers in identifying, developing and implementing programs designed to support a skilled workforce and promote job growth.

Opportunities

The Westchester/Putnam Business Sector Partnership offers employers the opportunity to participate as members at no cost and access a variety of programs and services such as:

• Job candidate search and screening to identify skilled, diverse workers
• Access customized screening and assessment programs
• Funding for training new and/or incumbent workers
• Support for regional workforce development
• Networking opportunities with industry colleagues to leverage collective input
• Cross-promotion via member events, programs and services

Training

Employers may apply for funding for new and/or incumbent worker training in three categories:

• Customized Training: Training for individual business
• On-the-Job (OJT) Training: Training for new employees (reduce training costs)
• Business Sector Customized Training: A collaboration among businesses (minimum three) within an industry sector

Biotech Sector Partnership activities to date have included:

• The Mini-MBA Program: This public-private partnership includes the WPWDB, area Life sciences and Biotech employers, and Westchester Community College. The first three-day program was offered to Aureon personnel, and focused on developing essential leadership skills. The skills and curriculum are transferable to other industries, and will be offered to Biotech Sector Members in the future.
• Management Skills for New Managers: This Biotech Sector Training program was offered by Aureon and the public-private partnership among the WPWDB, life sciences/biotech employers, and Westchester Community College.

Sector Partner members engage with their colleagues and other Sector Industry members to develop best practices, recruit new employees and participate in career events. As a member of the Business Sector Partnership, employers are provided with access to resources that are only available to members of this unique public/private partnership.

For more information about participating in the Biotech Sector Partnership, contact:

Marisol Maya

Business Sector Partnership Leader

Biotech, Not for Profit, Business Services Sectors

Hospitality Resource Group, Inc.

Phone: (914) 761-7111 ext. 326

E-mail: mari@hrginc.net

For more information, and to register as a member, visit http://www.westchesterputnamonestop.com/employer/business-sector-partnerships