Talent & Workforce Development

Embracing the Durham Chamber’s commitment to develop home-grown talent that aligns with local human resource needs; engaging employers and educators in the process. Efforts include:

Workplace Flexibility – promote flexibility as a way to provide work/life balance for employees and increased production for recruit and retain top talent; administer The Alfred P. Sloan Awards for Excellence in Workplace Flexibility; www.whenworkworks.org

Conversations with Human Resource Professionals: Actively engaged with HR executives to better understand their recruitment and retention challenges; identify skill & training gaps, plus, find solutions to fill the gaps; The Triangle Society for Human Resource Management is a Chamber partner in these efforts, with over 500 members from companies throughout the Triangle. Their Workforce Readiness Committee, led by our Chamber Workforce Development Director, helps ensure today and tomorrow’s workforce has 21st century global economy skills and competencies to succeed in the workplace. 

New & Expanding Industry – connect Durham companies to local resources for training, recruitment and retention; Partners: DWDB/JobLink, ESC and local education institutions

Middle School Career EXPO for Students and Parent/Guardian(s) – plan and coordinate an evening event to showcase hundreds of careers for students to explore; parents/guardians participate; Partners: Durham Public Schools’ Career & Technical Education, Futures for Kids. 

To learn more about the 2009 Career EXPO, click here!

Check out the pictures from the 2008 Career EXPO:  Click here!

Educators in the Workplace - recruit employers to host teachers and counselors 

Durham Careers in Construction, Hospitality and Science – career exploration for K-12; offers speaker’s bureau, resource guides, tours, job shadowing and internships. Partners: Durham Public Schools’ Career & Technical Education, business and educational organizations.

Workforce Readiness Seminar for DPS Seniors.Click here for article.

Promote Futures for Kids, an on line career exploration tool with Virtual Career Coaches for students in grades 8-12 

Co-host of the State of Durham’s Children Breakfast – an education report and call to action

Job Development for Re-entry and Work First participants through a partnership with Durham County’s Criminal Justice Resource Center and Social Services Department

Partner with the Durham Workforce Development Board/JobLink & Employment Security Commission to help at-risk youth, under-skilled & dislocated workers

Public Policy – advocate for policies that support education, from birth through lifelong learning 

Advisory Boards – active member of Durham Public Schools Superintendent’s Business Advisory Council and Durham Technical Community College Advisory Board 

Greater Durham Mentoring Alliance, founding partner 

For Additional Information, Contact:

Kathy Hoffmeier, Director of Talent & Workforce Development, (919) 328-8752 khoffmeier@durhamchamber.org