Education expo includes workforce development resources

  • Published
  • By Myra Saxon
  • 88th ABW Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB, Ohio --  The 88th Force Support Squadron will host the 2016 Development, Education & Training Expo June 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Wright-Patt Combined Club.

The expo is free and open to anyone with base access.

As a first this year, education and workforce development resources are combined for the event.

Anyone looking to further their education are welcome as well as any civilian seeking to excel in their government careers.

Advisors from over 50 colleges will be represented. Information on resiliency, developmental opportunities and various career programs will also be available.

Members from the Ohio Department of Higher Education (formerly known as the Ohio Board of Regent) and Ohio Means Jobs will lead break-out sessions that will cover various topics, to include information tables from workforce development and helping agencies.

"Historically, the fair would be colleges showcasing their degrees and programs," said Dr. Sara Black, Workforce Development flight chief. "This year, we've expanded this event from the perspective of a civilian development board that is looking at the developmental needs of the Wright-Patt workforce. The expo is a blend of workforce development initiatives along with the college fair. We are pulling it all together under one umbrella." 

Exposing civilians to more resources to help them develop was an initiative launched by the 88th Air Base Wing vice director, Ms. Rebecca Westlake.

  "The workforce portion can show a civilian coming in at entry level what steps need to be taken to become a Senior Executive Service member," said Black. "They can discover progression career paths and be exposed to information needed for development. The relevance of their degree will be more honed...it's not just a matter of getting a degree in a particular field, it's finding out how it fits in their career."

The educational side of the event is for academic institutions to share their programs with the military community.  These colleges are government-friendly by understanding that members could have a 'job obligation mission commitment'.  Additionally, they cater to military students that get assigned to temporary duties, training and deployments.

"The expo provides exposure to valuable information the help make informed decisions," said Black. "I encourage all to attend to get a full perspective of what the education and development segment is all about. Development is a three-pronged approach: education, training and development."

For a list of institutions and agencies participating in the Expo, click this link.

For a summary of the breakout sessions, click this link.

For more information contact Education Services at (937) 904-4801, email: wpafbeducation@us.af.mil, or visit Facebook.com/WrightPattEducationandTraining.