Note: This column by Mike Edwards, President and CEO, Knoxville Chamber, was printed in the Knoxville News Sentinel
Workforce Development: what does it mean? In a nutshell, workforce development is about building the quantity and quality of our labor supply to meet the demand for labor. It is a simple enough concept but the steps in achieving that balance are loaded with undertones of politics and serious culture change.
Why should you care? Well, your future and your family’s future depend on it. Your children’s future is directly tied to the knowledge, skills and abilities they have when they leave high school. The health of our economy is a result of a knowledgeable, skilled workforce. In order for our economy to function and grow, we need doctors, nurses, electricians, teachers, truck drivers, customer service representatives, engineers, pilots…you get the picture. The financial security of retirees is also directly tied to the economy, and thus a quality workforce.
So how do we improve the quality of our workforce? Well, we need to ensure that more students are exiting high school with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the workplace or in college. The same goes for students leaving college – they need to have employable skills that are transferable across industries. Educators need to know what those skills are and be able to teach them effectively. Businesses need to expand opportunities for internships and apprenticeships. We need to focus on early career development and the importance of science and math in today’s economy.
We should inform parents and the community as a whole about the benefits of an education and change any negative attitudes towards vocational and technical careers. Welders and pipe-fitters make an extremely good living today and companies are fighting each other for those skilled workers. We need to find ways to attract quality workers to our area and figure out how to keep our local university and college graduates here. And let’s not forget the expertise and experience of our soon-to-be retired or retired workforce. We need their help and we should utilize their talents to prepare the up and coming workforce.
Bottom line is that there is no silver bullet that will solve everything and there is no one person or organizations that can do it alone. Mayor Ragsdale has challenged the Knoxville Chamber to organize a summit where all of these issues are addressed. We will not leave the summit with “the solution,” but the objective is to leave with a game plan for each issue.
However, before we begin, we must agree on our goals. “Do we all agree that students need to improve math skills? If so, then how?” Or, “Do we all agree that effective teaching is critical to a student’s success? If so, then how do we help teachers become more effective?”
These are matters that we - as parents, students, teachers, community members, business leaders and politicians - must decide together. The summit will provide us with a forum to do this. So why should you care? Your future depends on it.
Yesterday, the Knoxville Chamber released a story detailing a new partnership called Innovation Valley Inc., which was developed to help build regional development. It will connect six local agencies and help maximize their development efforts.
Read the Knoxville Chamber story
From the Knoxville News Sentinel:
"The work of Innovation Valley 'will include the traditional blocking and tackling of economic development - business recruitment and retention. But one of the strongest themes will be work force development,' Thom Mason, president and CEO of UT-Battelle LLC, said. 'Work force development is the real key to economic development.'"
Read the story, "Jobs Now! work to continue in new partnership"
From the Daily Times:
"Matt Murray, a professor of economics at the University of Tennessee and chairman of the Economic Development Board of Blount County, said Innovation Valley Inc. recognizes the workforce development needs East Tennessee will have if it plans to grow technology-oriented businesses in this area.
"'These businesses require a skilled workforce and continuing education,' Murray said."
Read the story, "New regional development program launched".
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