Did You Know?

• * There will be an estimated 165,000 baby boomers retiring in the Portland region by 2014.
• * In May 2008 there were 26,000 job vacancies in the region, 25 percent of which had been unfilled for two or more months.
• * Thirty-three percent of employers in the region cite a shortage of skilled workers as a barrier to growing their business.
• * There will be 116,500 regional high school students needing Career Related Learning Experiences in the near future.

What is BizConnect?

BizConnect is a regional pilot project working to build our future workforce. BizConnect is developing a regional database of employers with information about businesses and industries that students, teachers and school counselors can use to facilitate matches between students and businesses. Newly state-mandated graduation standards require that all students participate in extended career exploration activities outside of the classroom. Through BizConnect, students can meet their graduation requirements and businesses can connect with the next generation of employees.

How do businesses benefit?

Businesses need a pipeline of qualified applicants. BizConnect offers the opportunity for employers to:

• * Market careers in their industry to young people who are planning their futures;
• * Demonstrate to students the skills needed for entering the workforce; and
• * Make an investment in the future of our community.

What are the student requirements?

The Oregon Department of Education has instituted new graduation requirements to better prepare each student for success in college, work and citizenship. All public high school students must participate in career related learning experience (CRLEs) in order to earn a high school diploma.

Some types of CRLEs include:

• * Informational Interviews
• * Mock Interviews
• * Job Shadows
• * Company Tours
• * Guest Speakers
• * Career Days/Expos
• * Internships
• * Senior Project Advisors

What is the BizConnect database?

The BizConnect database is a two part process that connects students and businesses. First, a business' basic information,similar to what a business would post on its company Web site, is entered into the database. This information is then used by students to identify real world opportunities in their interest areas that help them fulfill their graduation requirements.

The second aspect of the database is a volunteer aspect of the database is a volunteer registry for those businesses participating in the program along with the employees within these businesses who are willing to give a high school student the benefit of their experience.

Who Do I Contact To Get Involved?

• Yamhill, Marion, Polk County
• Julie Miller, 503.437.5396
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