CCRI to host Building Bridges: Connecting Education and Industry to Workforce Development on Aquidneck Island

07/10/2024

The Community College of Rhode Island, the state’s leading workforce training and education leader, will convene key industry experts and employers from Aquidneck Island for the first “Building Bridges” event to address the current and future labor market and workforce training needs.

“Building Bridges: Connecting Education and Industry to Workforce Development on Aquidneck Island,” held at CCRI’s Newport Campus on Wednesday, July 17 from 8:30 am–12:30 pm, will feature a keynote presentation from a labor market expert, a panel discussion with industry leaders, and industry-specific breakout sessions to help develop a strategic action plan to ensure that CCRI's training programs align with the demands of today's job market.

“We are thrilled to host the inaugural ‘Building Bridges’ event, bringing together key industry leaders to ensure our workforce training programs meet the demands of today’s labor market,” said Rosemary A. Costigan, Interim President of CCRI. “This event exemplifies CCRI's commitment to aligning education and workforce training programs with industry needs to build a strong talent pipeline for employers on Aquidneck Island and beyond.”

“Newport’s future depends on our residents having the skills and training to have good paying careers,” said Newport Mayor Xay Khamsyvoravong. “This summit is our chance to get the blueprint we need to build an education system that works for Newporters.”

Panelists include:

• Erin Donovan-Boyle; President & CEO, Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce
• John O’Connor; General Manager, Safe Harbor New England Boatworks
• Tom Giordano; Executive Director, The Partnership
• Molly Donohue Magee; Chief Executive Officer, SENEDIA
• Bill Schmiedeknecht; Senior Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer, Lifespan
• Ryan Camara; VP/ Human Resources Manager, BankNewport
• Joe Caparco; New England Region Apprenticeship Director, LiUNA
• Heather R. Singleton, MBA, IOM; Interim CEO, RI Hospitality Association

Coffee and lunch will be provided. Companies interested in attending can register online.

CCRI's Division of Workforce Partnerships works in close collaboration with industry and business leaders to ensure the college’s offerings are meeting both current and future workforce needs. The division builds and delivers workforce training solutions in business, finance, technology, education, healthcare, manufacturing and trades, and renewable energy.

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