We frequently hear from members that finding talent is a challenge. Following nearly a decade of work convening partners around solutions, CenterState CEO’s Work Train is uniquely situated to help employers connect with job seekers in the community. Through Syracuse Surge, we have been collaborating with employers and community partners to help establish several training programs to […]
We frequently hear from members that finding talent is a challenge. Following nearly a decade of work convening partners around solutions, CenterState CEO’s Work Train is uniquely situated to help employers connect with job seekers in the community. Through Syracuse Surge, we have been collaborating with employers and community partners to help establish several training programs to prepare our local workforce for in-demand jobs in tech. We have also been building a robust network of talent through Tech and Culture. But the successful completion of these programs by participants is just the first step in connecting them to targeted opportunities within the business community.
The work of CenterState CEO’s Surge Career Navigator Cainaan Webb is also critical to the success of these efforts. Cainaan works with job seekers of all levels to identify their career goals, skills, and the supports they need to apply for local jobs. He then assists them to network with employers and navigate the process from application to accepting job offers.
Additionally, Cainaan is working to understand the hiring needs of local employers so he can serve as a liaison between employers and job seekers, connecting the right people to the right opportunities. By establishing stronger relationships with recruiters and human-resource managers, Cainaan is working to create equitable pathways for diverse talent to enter the tech industry. Through this robust ecosystem of training, career support, and networking, we are developing a necessary pipeline of talent in our region, while at the same time, supporting businesses as they seek to grow and expand operations.
I encourage you or your hiring or human-resource manager to contact Cainaan directly at cwebb@centerstateceo.com if you are looking for new ways to engage untapped talent from within our own community.
Robert M. Simpson is president and CEO of CenterState CEO, the primary economic-development organization for Central New York. This article is drawn and edited from the “CEO Focus” email newsletter that the organization sent to members on March 3.
