SUNBURY – Solving the worker shortage with ‘second chance’ workers, and inspiring young people to start thinking about the future, are among the 2022 aspirations for Tea Jay Aikey President and CEO of Central PA Chamber of Commerce.
She said second chance workers are individuals who may have been incarcerated, and have criminal records, “There’s a lot of little perks if you give someone a second chance, but not only that, furthermore, and for the long term, those individuals are going to be the most dedicated employees. You give someone a chance that no one else did.”
Aikey says reintroducing people with criminal records to the workforce and to open-minded employers has led to more businesses finding dedicated employees that appreciate their jobs. She understands that for some people not having a job interview in years can be intimidating but the Chamber of Commerce provides seminars to aid people reentering the workforce.
On another front, she says a job fair for second and fourth graders will be taking place at the Warrior Run High School to encourage young people to think of what type of career they might like based off what school subjects they enjoy. Aikey tells us that educators find that introducing career possibilities at a young age will get kids thinking about what they might like to do in the future.
“It’s really important for us to try to get those young ones excited and educated about a career or a field. Sure, it’s probably going to change 10 times until they get to high school, but at least it’s something for them to strive towards,” she said.
