Addressing the Exposure Gap

BB2C staff and board member with JobsOhio staff.

Photo credit: OhioSE

We welcomed President & CEO J.P. Nauseef and his team from JobsOhio last week as part of an initiative to address the educational and workforce needs of Southeast Ohio. JobsOhio is a nonprofit organization dedicated to economic development in the state. Their visit to the BB2C Epicenter included a roundtable discussion with our board and staff members to discuss these needs and how BB2C is addressing them to help youth and young adults in Washington County and beyond create their successful career pathways. During the visit, Nauseef engaged in a lively discussion that emphasized the importance of combining classroom education with practical, real-world experiences to ensure that Southeast Ohio's students have the best chance of success in their chosen careers.

Staff and board members discuss educational and workforce.

Photo Credit: OhioSE

"We do not have a talent gap, we have an exposure gap," commented BB2C Executive Director Tasha Werry. "Our goal is to provide our students with the exposure they need to realize their full potential and career opportunities." Nauseef agreed and added, "This (BB2C) is a homegrown organization with people who care. It's evident in the impact they're making. JobsOhio is committed to supporting initiatives like BB2C that drive economic development and build a skilled workforce."

The visit also highlighted the need for partnerships between local industries and educational institutions. Nauseef stressed that collaboration is key to addressing the unique workforce demands of the region. By aligning educational programs with the needs of local businesses, students can gain a more practical and relevant education, increasing their chances of securing meaningful regional employment.

JobsOhio’s participation in the roundtable discussion served as a reminder that investing in education and workforce development is not only an investment in the future but also a commitment to the prosperity of Southeast Ohio. It reaffirmed the importance of our work and the work of our Network Partners as well as the need for collaboration with and support from organizations like JobsOhio.