The Bergen County Workforce Development Board (Bergen WDB) carries out most of its work through action-oriented committees.
Some committees are required by legislation, while other committees are established at the discretion of the Board. Additional committees can be deemed “standing” committees and incorporated into the bylaws or can serve as temporary task forces and terminate once its work is accomplished.
This type of committee structure provides members with opportunities to become fully engaged in meaningful work and thoroughly knowledgeable about community workforce issues.
When people participate on a committee or project — they are empowered to take a leadership role in the local workforce development system.
The Bergen WDB has several committees and project-based subcommittees — the lifeblood of the organization.
The Bylaws govern the process for appointing committee members. In general, applications are continually accepted and are reviewed by the Members and Executive Director for consideration. Recommendations are sent to the Board Officers for final approval and appointments and are evaluated on an annual basis.
The board and its committees meet quarterly. Project-based committees meet as needed in between quarterly board/committee meetings.
Executive Committee
The Executive Committee is comprised of the Officers and Committee Chairs and develops recommendations to the full board in the areas of strategic planning and operations. One of the primary duties of this committee is to develop the agenda for board meetings and serve as an advisory committee to the Chairperson and Executive Director.
Abilities Committee
The Abilities Committee ensures that all services, including those at the One-Stop Career Center, and external training sites, are accessible to persons with disabilities and that outreach efforts effectively reach this population. The Committee also promotes collaboration with the public and private sectors to increase awareness and influence policy related to employment for people with disabilities.
Operations Committee
The Operations Committee assists the Board in its broad oversight of the One-Stop Career Center System through continuous evaluations, ensuring the policies relating to the One-Stop are implemented, and the quality and effectiveness of services delivered to job seekers and businesses are continuously improved.
Youth & Education Committee
The Youth and Education Committee seeks to encompass all learners including Out-of-School Youth, Adult Basic Education (ABE) students, English as Second Language (ESL) learners & special needs learners.
The main mission of the Youth and Education Committee is to facilitate meaningful connections between the education and the business communities, promote all career pathways, and to support activities and services that help individuals secure employment in demand occupations.
Youth and Education Committee activities include (but are not limited to):
- Providing strategic direction for youth services capable of preparing youth for further education and future employment.
- Engaging community stakeholders around local needs and priorities for boosting basic skills, work readiness, and literacy levels of local residents.
- Actively engaging the business community, community organizations, and education community (middle and high schools, community colleges, technical schools, universities and four-year colleges) to support education programs and skill-building services that prepare workers to meet the skill needs of businesses.
- Developing sector customized training partnerships and projects.