Overview
The Regional Employment Board of Hampden County, Inc. (REB) is a business-led, non-profit corporation established by state and federal legislation and supported by local business, education, and labor leaders as the primary policy-making authority in developing workforce skills. Our only business is workforce development.
Click on the downloadable relevent link to the right for a brief on the "The Critical and Emerging Role of Workforce Investment Boards: How Federal Policy Can Incite Workforce Innovation", offered from the collective experiences of the Workforce Innovators Network, a community of practice comprised of Executive Directors from local Workforce Investment Boards across the country (including our Bill Ward!), as convened by the Corporation for a Skilled Workforce. The brief advocates for clear articulation of the role of local WIBs as strategic policy boards working as catalysts and coalition builders. This is among the most important work we do.
REB Vision Statement:
The Regional Employment Board leads a dynamic, efficient and integrated workforce development system that promotes economic development and community growth, and is rooted in the principles of equity and increased access to workforce development services for employers and job seekers.
REB Mission Statement:
The Regional Employment Board plans, coordinates and oversees the growth and effective use of public and private investment in workforce development initiatives for quality jobs. The Board provides leadership in creating strategic alliances with business, government and community organizations to provide access to education, training and employment opportunities for all workers, especially for low income adults and youth, disadvantaged minorities and newcomers, dislocated workers, incumbent workers, and their families.
To meet the challenge of increasingly complex workforce training needs, due to changing technologies and new skills, we are also conveners and brokers, constantly researching local labor market demands and developing appropriate strategic alliances among employers and training vendors to meet those needs. For more, see our Strategic Plan!
We are uniquely positioned to be the "voice of the local labor market" because we have a "One-Stop" Career Center system where most of the local labor exchange happens. Through this One-Stop system, we have first-hand information on job seekers and job openings, labor supply and demand, and local employment trends.
Our professional staff are solutions people who develop reemployment strategies for laid off workers, training programs for new workers, and internships for youth.
