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Leo Akujobi highlights Portsmouth workforce program at recognition launch
Summary
Leo Akujobi, manager for workforce development at Portsmouth City Economic Development Department, launched a recognition event for program participants and outlined an employer-informed, career-focused training model covering trades, IT, healthcare and maritime.
Leo Akujobi, manager for workforce development at the Portsmouth City Economic Development Department, opened a recognition event announcing the launch of a program to honor clients and spotlight career-focused training.
Akujobi said the event was intended to "make sure that they know that they matter," and stressed the department's shift from short-term placements toward sustained career pathways. "We are not a job placement agency. We are an empowerment agency," he said, adding that the goal is to equip residents "with the tools that you're going to need to actually be competitive out there."
The program uses what Akujobi described as an "integrated workforce development model." He listed training tracks that include skill trades, information technology, healthcare and maritime, and said the department partners directly with employers so training aligns with labor-market needs. "You can't do any of those things if you don't understand the needs of the employers," he said.
Akujobi introduced the inaugural ambassador award recipient, identified as Mr. Branch, as an example of the program's outcomes: Branch completed the program and, Akujobi said, his daughter is now pursuing a career in healthcare. Akujobi also relayed a participant's praise of maritime training: "Maritime CDL changed my whole life," he said, and urged residents to share information about the program.
Akujobi framed the effort as part of a broader city initiative to "open doors" for residents and to ensure that economic development benefits reach the people the city serves. (The transcript includes a single reference to "the city of Baltimore" while Akujobi identifies himself as Portsmouth City staff; that inconsistency is noted in the record and flagged for clarification.)
The department did not specify funding amounts, enrollment limits or a timeline for program expansion at the event. Akujobi characterized the effort as ongoing work by Portsmouth City to create employer-aligned training and recognition opportunities for residents.
