Workforce Training
Small businesses are being adversely affected by the growing skill gap
As the driving force behind our nation’s economy, small business requires a well educated and trained workforce. Workforce training programs span federal and state authority, and create significant confusion and bureaucracy when individuals search for employment resources. With unprecedented economic challenges ahead, the new Congress and administration have an opportunity to pursue legislative initiatives that meet the needs of individuals and employers.
Small-business owners are constantly faced with an eroding skill base among American workers, and evidence shows that much of the potential workforce is insufficiently trained. With nearly seventy-eight million baby boomers heading toward retirement, considerable attention must be directed to the nation’s youth who remain unprepared and unaware of the workplace that lies ahead.
The responsibility to achieve a qualified workforce does not rest solely on the shoulders of individuals: the federal government and business community also have a role. An individual-business-government partnership is essential to meet the needs and goals of all parties. Individuals desire a better understanding of workplace needs, and government programs should be more employer-driven. Timely, relevant labor market data can be used by government to tailor programs to fit the needs of individuals and the workplace.
A strong connection must exist among all stakeholders from pre-K-12, alternative and vocational programs, postsecondary education, and other employment and training programs. Besides the targeted populations, such as individuals with disabilities, displaced workers, and economically or geographically disadvantaged individuals, a general investment must be provided to the educational continuum so that there is awareness of what must be done to meet the needs of employers.
The world is an ever-changing marketplace that requires programs to be flexible and adaptive to the needs of the work place. For the U.S. to weather the current economic recession and remain a global economic leader, lawmakers must provide an effective and efficient paradigm that provides access and attractiveness to individuals and employers.
The opportunity to successfully address all stakeholders’ goals remains just in front of us. Small businesses strive to hire and provide life-long learning to a qualified workforce in order to expand and grow their business. Individuals need to gain the awareness, guidance and tools to be relevant in a changing workplace. Finally, the government can provide the framework and investment to help all parties achieve their goals.
The 112th Congress has a tremendous opportunity to aid our nation’s economy recovery by providing workforce education and training programs that meet the needs of individuals and small businesses.
