Client Overview
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is a bi-state agency responsible for managing and developing key transportation infrastructure in the New York metropolitan area. It oversees major airports like John F. Kennedy International and Newark Liberty International, seaports, bridges, tunnels, and transit facilities, including the George Washington Bridge and the Port Authority Bus Terminal. In addition to infrastructure development, the Port Authority operates its own police force, the Port Authority Police Department (PAPD), which ensures the security and safety of its facilities and the millions of people who use them. The agency plays a crucial role in supporting regional economic growth, improving transportation efficiency, and maintaining public safety across its vast network.
Engagement 1: Aspiring Business Managers Program
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ) initially engaged us to design and deliver a targeted soft skills development program as part of their broader initiative, the Aspiring Business Managers program. This initiative aimed to equip high-potential employees with the confidence and skills necessary for their current roles and to prepare them for future managerial positions within the organization. Specifically, PANYNJ sought to develop a program that would help these emerging managers seamlessly transition into Business Manager roles when the opportunity presented itself.
SkillsCamp Solution
In 2022-2023, SkillsCamp successfully piloted a four half-day online session program focusing on the following critical competencies:
- Session 1: Personal Leadership & Self-Awareness
- Session 2: Resilience & Adaptability
- Session 3: Productivity & Time Management
- Session 4: Resourcefulness & Problem-Solving
The pilot’s success prompted PANYNJ to engage us for an expanded rollout, delivering the same program to three additional cohorts in 2023-2024.
Engagement 2: Business Managers Skills Mastery Program
Following the success of the Aspiring Business Managers program, PANYNJ asked us to create a custom four-session program as part of their Business Managers Skills Mastery Academy. This initiative was designed to enhance communication, conflict resolution, and collaboration among business managers across various departments.
SkillsCamp Solution
In 2024, SkillsCamp delivered a 4 half-day online session program to three cohorts. The program included over 80 business managers, from entry-level to senior, handling responsibilities such as policy creation and implementation, compliance, budgeting, timekeeping, and office administration. Given the diverse experience levels, SkillsCamp designed the program to be relevant for both junior and senior managers.
The program focused on the following skills:
- Part 1: Teamwork & Collaboration
- Part 2: Teamwork & Collaboration
- Part 1: Conflict Resolution
- Part 2: Conflict Resolution
Engagement 3: Mentorship Program
In early 2024, PANYNJ was looking to enhance its internal mentoring program by offering low- to mid-level management personnel—and any interested mentors—practical tools to apply the skills they had gained. This investment sought to address personal branding and relationship-building gaps, especially in hybrid and virtual work environments. They asked SkillsCamp to design and deliver a program that equips participants with strategies to build their personal brand and develop stronger connections within the organization, fostering professional growth and networking, both in-person and virtual.
SkillsCamp Solution
SkillsCamp successfully designed and delivered the two-part series, which focused on two key areas: helping mentees build and strengthen their personal brand for career advancement and developing effective networking strategies for fostering stronger internal relationships, especially in virtual settings.
Program:
Session 1: Personal Branding
Session 2: Networking & Relationship-Building
Results
- 82% of attendees rated their workshop experience a 9 or 10 out of 10.
- 84% of attendees rated their workshop facilitator a 9 or 10 out of 10.
- 97% of attendees believed our programs were a worthy investment for the PANYNJ.
- 100% of the attendees felt they could start applying the skills they learned right away.
- 97% of attendees said they were likely or very likely to recommend SkillsCamp to others.
Testimonials
I have attended other SkillsCamp workshops and have enjoyed all.
– PANYNJ Participant
Excellent training and exceptional trainer.
– PANYNJ Participant
Natalie is an excellent presenter – so friendly, warm, engaging and the manner in which she presents information enhances the experience.
– PANYNJ Participant
