NEWS: Calvo visits with workforce leaders; continues to support Guam leaders at board level
July 9, 2018
Hagåtña – Governor Eddie Baza Calvo met with the Guam Workforce Development Board (GWDB) this past Saturday at a training session to say a few words about the importance of their role in the community, as well as to remind them about the goals necessary to achieve for the Combined State Plan.
“We need to be doing everything we can to increase the number of skilled workers. The good news is that we are working closely with business and industry folks like yourselves, along with all levels of education to find ways to get more people into training programs,” said Governor Calvo.
Guam submitted its Combined State Plan in 2016 and 2-year modifications in April of this year. Several board members participated in the USDOL Employment and Training Administration’s Strategic Board Training in Hawaii earlier this year. The training covered topics such as the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), Vision/Business-Driven Boards, Board Structure and Member Roles and Responsibilities, how to Conduct Effective Board Meetings, Strategic vs. Tactical Boards, High Impact Boards, and form Policy to Practice and Performance/Accountability.
WIOA reinforces the partnerships and strategies necessary for the American Job Center to provide those seeking jobs, workers with quality career services the proper education, training, and supportive services they need to get good jobs and also to stay employed.
“These topics are important for our island’s labor workforce because it builds a unified system to help people get employed and find training resources,” said Sam Mabini, Director of Guam Department of Labor.
The United States Department of Labor (USDOL) approved Guam’s modification last month. Under the state plan, the GWDB is responsible with guiding the implementation and continuous improvements of the American Job Center. Mandatory partners include Adult Education and Literacy under the Guam Community College (GCC) and Vocational Rehabilitation under the Department of Integrated Services for Individuals with Disabilities (DISID).
“I want to thank GCC for hosting this event and the hard working members who attended the training session for their dedication to improving a workforce system for our island,” added Director Mabini.
