Workforce quality key to growth

Is the problem a lack of jobs? Or is it a lack of qualified workers?
That’s the question posed by a recent CNN story about northeast Indiana, and it’s a question with relevance for east central Indiana as well.
CNN reports that in the 10 counties in the northeast corner of the state, manufacturing companies that want to hire can’t find the workers they need.
It’s not a labor shortage. It’s a skill shortage.
By one estimate, as many as five to 10 percent of jobs are going unfilled because the workforce lacks the necessary skills.
Companies told CNN they have to sift through hundreds of applications to fill a handful of positions.
“Applicants are failing drug tests. … Some apply and then decide they want to wait until their unemployment benefit runs out before taking a factory job,” one official told CNN.
One company said it received 129 applications, screened those down to 40, then administered three industry tests to the 40. Four people passed.
Meanwhile, manufacturers are hesitant to hire graduates with four-year college degrees because they don’t think they’ll stay.
It’s a disturbing situation, and we suspect it’s not limited to the region north of us.
Fortunately, there’s a tool at hand to address the problem: John Jay Center for Learning.
Workforce development, skill building, and competence are going to be the keys, and all of those go to John Jay’s central mission, helping individuals reach their personal potential.
Opportunities are out there. By some estimates, Indiana needs 40,000 to 50,000 new manufacturing workers right now.
To fill that need, the state’s going to have to have a better workforce. John Jay can help. — J.R.[[In-content Ad]]