Issue Position: Workforce

Issue Position

Workforce and technical training are often overlooked in discussions about PreK-12 and higher education. However, for the high school student who isn't able to attend a four-year college program, but needs to get a job; for the middle-aged worker who was recently laid off, but doesn't have the up-to-date skills to acquire a new job; or for the person with insufficient means to attend college, but who needs improved skills to get a better job to provide for her family, workforce and technical training programs can be their answer.

Continuing education or training programs for technical skills can range from auto technology to barbering and nurse's aid to dental assistant training. Apprenticeship programs through technical education facilities give students the real, hands-on experience needed to really succeed. Workplace readiness programs teach individuals how to use current software programs for office management jobs and can enhance and improve their soft-skills for success in the workplace.

Meeting the workforce needs of existing or potential employers means having strong workforce and technical training programs in currently expanding fields that are easily accessible and affordable. Meeting those needs will require supporting and expanding our local workforce training programs. While we ought to utilize federal funding opportunities, it is imperative that we work with our local workforce programs that are run by individuals who truly understand the needs of our communities. In areas of the district that lack these programs, it is time to expand our existing successful programs from other areas to the communities that are in need. Let's Get Connected to an action plan -- identify our neighbors who need work, direct them to local, improved technical training and resources, and connect them with employment opportunities -- I believe that these are the steps to help build foundations of personal success.

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