CALLICOON — The Delaware Valley Job Corps hosted a work force roundtable in partnership with the Sullivan County Work force Development Center on Thursday, March 21.

During the meeting, one of the primary focuses was to gain a deeper understanding of the specific requirements employers have and to explore ways in which the diligent students of Delaware Valley Job Corps can effectively fulfill those requirements. 

Additionally, the meeting aimed to strategize on further enhancing the students’ skills to align with the evolving demands of potential employers, ultimately fostering a symbiotic relationship between the students’ capabilities and the needs of the job market.

Guests of the event were treated to food prepared and crafted by the Delaware Valley Culinary Arts students.

Job Corps Center Director Matthew Bliefernich was joined by Programs Manager Jason Naugle and Outreach, Admissions & Career Transition Services Manager, Marian Wood.

Bliefernich described Delaware Valley Job Corps to the guests, saying that they have been here for around for over 55 years. He mentioned that the Center has been “kind of invisible within our county.” He added that many who live and work around the county may not know what the Job Corps. is about. 

He said he mentions this because it has been his focus for the last two years.

“Often, Delaware Valley has not been a resource used by local students, and that needs to change,” stressed Bliefernich. “We offer a lot of opportunities that local students can engage in, and can use as their next step.”

“We’re essentially a community clinic to provide what the students need both physiologically and psychologically.”

Marian, Jason and Matthew listened in on what the work force representatives had to say. For example, Captain Tina Perez of the New York State Unified Court System was present among the guests and noted her observations.

When asked what she would be looking for regarding the Center’s numerous trades by Marian Wood, Perez commented that she would be looking for “dedication and commitment.”

“With the State, our law enforcement, it’s an exam,” Perez noted, “...but what I find are people are applying for these jobs because their parents are telling them “you’re not doing anything with your life, take these exams and get these jobs.”

She described her observations that when they’re starting at the academy, they’re apparently just not ready. She described that they’re reportedly physically not in shape, they’re there for sixteen weeks, they don’t want to do their education and they don’t want to follow the directions.

“So really learning that Law Enforcement isn’t just about wearing your uniform and having some cool equipment,” emphasized Perez. “It’s hard work. You’re on your feet all day long, you’re carrying an additional 35 pounds.”

She stressed that, most importantly, it is not just about the physical attributes that one can bring to the job, but she noted that 75 to 80 percent of their work, especially in the Courts, is customer service.

She elaborated that it is how they deal with their communities and what they can provide.

She also described that it is having the knowledge to get them [the community] the assistance that they need.

“This generation kind of loses that. They’re afraid to approach somebody and go up and say “hey, take my card,” or “hi, how are you,” explained Perez. “So just trying to get them to be a little more open and engaging. I feel like that’s really, really important for my field.”

Following the engaging discussion, Jason Naugle dutifully guided some of the eager representatives on a fascinating and insightful informal tour of the campus.

 This informal tour was meticulously designed with the intention of providing employers with an immersive and firsthand glimpse into the rich and vibrant student experience. 

By engaging in enlightening conversations with hard working instructors and perceiving firsthand the diverse array of educational hands-on opportunities available to every student, the visitors gained a deep appreciation for the comprehensive and enriching learning environment that the institution meticulously fosters.