Linda Smith
Linda Smith
Points of Pride

Union County JobReady Partnership was formed in 1997 to oversee the delivery of workforce development programs funded through federal school-to-work legislation. Federal funding ended in June 2000, but Union County has continued its initiative with the financial support of members of the Partnership. The main goal of the Union County JobReady Partnershipis to create stronger links between the business community and education.

JobReady builds partnerships between students, employers, parents and the community.  Union County, like all communities, must have a well-prepared workforce with workers having the technical skills, the academic background and the ability to merge and to apply the two.

The Partnership council has 37 members representing key leadership positions in Union County and meets every other month.   The Job Broker – Linda Smith – is the only employee of the Partnership.   Vanguard Supreme donates furnished office space for the Partnership.

BICEPS (Business and Industry Collaborative Education Partnerships)

BICEPS provides K-12 classroom teachers the opportunity to intern with a local business or industry.   Selected participants work in an area related to their curriculum.   The internship experience enables teachers to become more aware of skills needed in today’s technologically advanced work place,   update their skills and better prepare their students for employment.   Teachers develop lesson plans to use relevant applications in their teaching.   The goal of BICEPS is to make stronger teachers.

Tours Of Local Businesses And Industries

Industry tours acquaint students and teachers with career opportunities in Union County.   They also provide information on the skills necessary in order to succeed in these jobs.

Shadowing Of Educators

This is another component of BICEPS which allows representatives from business and industry to spend time in our schools shadowing teachers, counselors and principals.

Work Based Learning Opportunities For Students

Job shadowing, internships, co-op experiences and apprenticeships

Career Awareness Activities

Mini-Grants

Mini-grants are distributed to teachers for proposals emphasizing work ethics/employability skills.