New Hampshire businesses that want to improve their overall performance and bottom line know their employees are their most valuable resource. At a time when companies continue to look for new efficiencies to streamline their operations, workforce development is a key component.
It is the one of the best ways to ensure that employees have the skills and expertise needed to meet new challenges. One of the state’s leading experts shares more on this topic.
Our expert: Dr. Mark Rubinstein, Chancellor, Community College System of New Hampshire, ccsnh.edu
Q: Why is it important for businesses to invest in workforce development?
A: Investing in workforce development is crucial for every New Hampshire business, regardless of size, in today’s economic environment. With unemployment at an all-time low, employers need to veer from traditional hiring and management practices, think outside the box and identify creative ways to hire, train and retain employees.
Workforce development fosters employee engagement, retention, loyalty, and aids businesses in succession planning, reducing turnover costs. It ensures employees stay skilled and competitive, enabling businesses to thrive in a rapidly changing market, as well as adapt to evolving industry needs, embrace new technologies and remain competitive. Moreover, a skilled workforce attracts investment, stimulates economic growth, and contributes to the overall success and prosperity of New Hampshire’s business landscape.
Q: What are some of the ways businesses can improve their workforce training programs?
A: CCSNH provides training and consulting options to businesses that either do not have a training department or may need to look outside the company for training expertise. Our workforce training professionals can conduct assessments to identify training needs and work with you to create programs that fit.
We can deliver open, rolling, quick-hit training options for businesses in a pinch, and can create customized training solutions tailored to specific needs and timetables. CCSNH also facilitates Registered Apprenticeships, connecting businesses with new employees and providing relevant education alongside on-the-job experiences at the work site.
Q: Does CCSNH offer specific programs geared toward helping employers develop their workforce to gain new skills and expertise?
A: Yes, CCSNH offers industry-specific training in healthcare, manufacturing, technology and more. Programs are also geared toward the individual employee. An example would be our highly successful microelectronics bootcamp at Nashua Community College, a short-term program developed in alignment with area employers that positions individuals with skills in a high-demand field.
CCSNH also offers an array of healthcare apprenticeship programs, partnering with entities like Southern New Hampshire Services, the NH Department of Health and Human Services, and healthcare providers on a structured approach to onboarding new employees, providing them with progressive skill development, education and training.
For small businesses, we also partner with the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program, designed to help CEOs and senior managers learn how to lead their companies to growth, at no cost to the business participants.
Q: What are some of the toughest challenges businesses face when implementing workforce development plans?
A: While every business is different, some common challenges include identifying relevant training needs, finding time for training amid daily operations, fostering employee engagement and participation, allocating sufficient resources and measuring training effectiveness.
CCSNH offers strategies to overcome these challenges, such as providing flexible training options, needs assessments, communication and motivation techniques, and evaluation mechanisms.
For smaller employers, we can put together cohorts of people across multiple employers and provide training in areas of shared need, reducing the burden on any one employer.
Q: What type of resource can companies look to for support?
A: With expertise and experience in providing high-quality education and training, New Hampshire’s community colleges are excellent resources for New Hampshire companies that understand the importance of workforce development.
We are also well positioned to bring together networks of employers, state agencies with funding resources, and service organizations to build an ecosystem that supports ongoing, local, targeted and effective workforce development in New Hampshire.
