Looking for Talent? The PCLC Can Help

As we go forward, and we consider where we’re going to find talent, there is a cadre of individuals with which I am very familiar, and that is through my involvement with the Perry County Literacy Council. The Perry County Literacy Council focuses on providing new opportunity and chances to those that need to pursue their GED, to those that have been victims of domestic violence or other things (sex offenders, etc.). We provide additional training and opportunities where some who may otherwise be considered the disenfranchised are given an opportunity to really benefit from support in the community. And thereby return to the workforce in a higher-level fashion which then allows some of our employers to find talent. While they may be on an entry level, we have many examples where those entry-level employees, who otherwise may not have been considered for employment, based on their past experience or perhaps past mistakes, who are now not only flourishing within those organizations, but they are, in fact, moving into leadership roles, and getting the training necessary to develop them as leaders in the organization.

As we begin to look at how do we address some of the lower-tier talent needs within an organization, when there doesn’t appear to be enough people available, or enough people willing to consider entry-level roles within organizations… whether they’re in construction, labor, retail, food service, etc. And part of our mission at The Literacy Council, and working with 15 other agencies under one umbrella, is to provide those individuals with the training and the opportunity they need to contribute, not only for their own benefit, but for the benefit of their families, and the benefit of the communities in which they live. And the employers who are fortunate enough to tap into this group of individuals, who really want to make a difference for themselves and their families.

So, regardless of where you may be, if there is an equivalent of a Literacy Council (I know that’s a very specific term), but a council that focuses on individuals such as we’ve mentioned in this brief, I would highly recommend you give them some consideration. Spend some time, look at what those organizations provide, and you just might find a group of employees that can make a difference within the organization.?

* This post originally appeared on the Cnesta Group blog.