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Cultivating the Workforce of the Future
The next-generation technology workforce has grown up in a digital and connected world. It is a generation that doesn't expect accommodations but instead expects to show more-experienced generations a better way to work and live. It is a generation that is driven by great purpose.
Most important, this next generation is uniquely positioned to create innovation beyond earlier generations' imagination. This is because the Millennials know enough to get the job done but not so much as to believe that the job can't be done.
At Genworth, we're dedicated to providing a challenging and stimulating environment to maintain a competitive edge in attracting and retaining next-generation technology talent. Especially today, as technology becomes the centerpiece of the insurance industry, attracting and retaining a technologically savvy workforce is increasingly important. We understand that the attitudes and expectations of younger workers are changing, and we're adapting our choices to ensure that the workers of the future feel a sense of purpose in their work.
Genworth's engagement with next-generation technologists starts in our community and educational programs. Genworth champions technology education through VirginaFIRST and the FIRST Robotics programs. We've worked in partnership with the Richmond Technology Council and other area businesses to develop the Virginia Technology Internship Program for high school students. The internships are focused on building the students' confidence in pursuing a technology-related degree. Once a student is in college, Genworth offers an internship program that can lead to post-graduation employment in Genworth's Information Technology Development Program. Through these programs, students are exposed to technology concepts ranging from application development to infrastructure management.
After a student or college graduate joins the Genworth family, we offer a number of educational and professional development opportunities. For all Genworth associates we have developed the Early Career Learning Path and we sponsor the Early Career Network Group. These opportunities round out an associate's business skills by exposing them to customers, products, services and finances. The programs are cross-functional and contribute to building informal networks that drive collaboration and generate fresh new ideas. For technology associates the Genworth Development Center offers a number of programs designed to build strong technical and analytical skills, and sharpen business acumen.
Early career technology associates have made substantial contributions at Genworth. For example, members of the Information Technology Development Program were the driving force behind the development and implementation of Salesforce.com and our social media technologies -- including our own internal professional networking site, an interactive intranet and Wiki technologies.
A Flexible Work Environment
For all associates, Genworth offers a work environment that is constantly evolving with the trends of the workforce. For example, we offer a flexible work culture that supports more than 500 remote associates. This gives associates the opportunity to work remotely from home or offsite when necessary. Many technology project teams utilize flexible work spaces configured into an agile environment -- allowing for a fast flow of information and collaboration.
Finally, Genworth recognizes our associates' desires to invest in social and environmental responsibility. Genworth's purpose -- to help individuals achieve home ownership, life security, retirement security and build savings -- engages our associates in meaningful work every day. Additionally, our Genworth Volunteers and Skills-Based Volunteer Programs enable our associates to have a positive impact on the communities in which they live. Our environmental programs have exceeded expectations for recycling goals entirely due to the efforts of passionate associates.
The next-generation technology workforce is different -- and we can trust them to build a better future. Motivated by purpose, enabled by growing up digital and driven to find a better way, the next-generation technology workforce will make a substantial and positive impact on our business and the world.