Talent Network Aims to Upgrade Job Skills

AVALON – It’s an annual complaint ritual in Cape May County, “Why don’t the summer businesses hire local (or American) workers instead of foreigners?”
The question is large in Caitlyn Bradley’s mind, too. Instead of just voicing her displeasure, she works to change its basis. As director of Retail, Hospitality and Tourism Talent Network of Southern New Jersey, Bradley, who addressed Cape May County Chamber of Commerce Jan. 16, knows there are employable people here, and they might just need some additional job honing to land a job.
While many jobs in the Jersey Cape are seasonal, and they need filling, she is convinced that with proper job skills, (among them common sense, -related skills) some of the part-time jobs many disdain because they are seasonal, could become solid, year-round jobs.
Not an employee of the New Jersey Department of Labor, Bradley described herself as “a liaison.” She advises the department on what skills employers, specifically those in retail, hospitality and tourism, all keys to Cape May County’s economy, need. From there, the department will try to assist bringing unemployed to job training.
Bradley works with owners and operators of businesses to understand issues, concerns and problems.
One outstanding question she repeatedly hears, “We have jobs and cannot find good help.”
She can assist businesses securing grants that may help them, and even some wage reimbursements are possible.
“This whole model is to reduce unemployment and get New Jersey workers back to work,” said Bradley.
Using an example of a boardwalk T-shirt shop, Bradley said some owners may have hired part-time workers, perhaps some from foreign lands. Those foreign workers must have J-1 or H1B temporary work vises. They are not local, and carry the expense of securing their hire, she said.
By the time they bring those workers “up to speed,” several weeks from the fleeting season are gone. Then, in mid-August, many must depart, which impacts the owner to an even higher degree.
Bradley said often the reason given for hiring foreign workers is that they possess a work ethic that can’t be found in local workers.
Armed with such information, Bradley said the Department of Labor can provide workshops for the unemployed that teach a variety of “soft skills.”
What are they? Bradley replied, “Common sense things that are not so common; the work ethic; how to have a real conversation with a customer; how to make a presentation; how to conduct an interview, and social skills.”
A college instructor, Bradley said “From day one, I go over my allowance for text, talk or email.” Her students quickly learn that they must communicate with her on a professional level and manner, not in 140-character messages.
Bradley has assisted Atlantic County hospitality businesses to secure grant-funding training for workers.
Job fair screening of candidates helps employers find workers who will fill their jobs. If additional skill sets are needed, the department will consider them too.
She pointed potential employers interested in the talent networks to the department’s website: jobs4jersey.com, there they will find a full explanation of the networks, of which there are several, not only for resort-related industries.
“We are not going to change the mentality overnight. With higher-skilled positions we want to make sure we are training them in skills that are needed. Sixteen hundred were just laid off from the Atlantic Club. They need jobs; they want to go back to work. We are sharing the message of opportunity. It might be seasonal, if nothing else, they are allowing you to enhance your skills, and to network. If there is an opportunity to become full-time, you have a better chance thanks to being seasonal or part-time. We are trying to share the message of hope,” Bradley said.
Those desiring more information, or to speak with Bradley can contact her: Caitlyn.bradley@stockton.edu.