The Susquehanna Workforce Network is making a plan.
With the Base Realignment and Closure initiative set to bring more than 10,000 civilian and contractor jobs to the Aberdeen Proving Ground and surrounding area, SWN is setting up a plan to accommodate those jobs. Awarding a contract to local researches to help with the report, SWN will team with Logistics and Acquisition Partners, Robinson Group and A. Bright Idea Advertising and Public Relations to create a work force analysis. This study will match incoming workers? skill sets to both existing and future jobs.
“BRAC brings our region both significant opportunities and challenges,” said Bruce England, executive director of SWN, a nonprofit that helps develop and coordinate the work force in Harford and Cecil counties. “It is our responsibility to ensure the region has a skilled work force that can support, sustain and grow with this expanded economy.”
England and SWN wanted to find a group with expertise in government personnel management, public relations skills, BRAC experience and a working knowledge of the local community. Through blending these skills, the resultant study will “produce detailed information on the types of jobs available,” SWN said. The study will be released in late June to residents and the public.
“The reason you do this type of study is to do a pipeline and get the right type of training for the right job,” said Richard Clinch, director of economic development at the University of Baltimore. “The type of work they are doing at Aberdeen is very high-tech-oriented and will create a lot of spin-off jobs.”
The Aberdeen Proving Ground is expected to generate more than 9,100 new jobs. Fort Meade is expected to produce 8,700 to 10,700 new positions. BRAC could bring up to 40,000 total jobs into the region and nearly 28,000 new households.
