The Ragan Report

Preparing skilled workers is key to expanding middle class
 
    Iowa must focus more attention on training skilled workers if we are going to expand our middle class and help working families recover from the national recession.
    A skilled workforce is an incentiveto employers. Businesses looking to locate and expand in Iowa want to know that they'll have the workers to make the products and provide the services they offer.
    It's estimated that by 2018, 62 percent of all Iowa jobs (1.1 million jobs) will require some training or education beyond high school, which means Iowa needs more skilled workers.
    A recent study commissioned by Iowa's Economic Development Authorityreportedthat Iowa's shortage of skilled workers is our state's most serious economic development weakness. Two-thirds of Iowa companies surveyed are having trouble finding the employees they need. That, combined with low population growth among younger Iowans, suggests that Iowa could face a problem for a long time if we don't take action.
    Fortunately, Iowa's outstanding community colleges and nonprofit organizations are preparing workers for local job openings. The Legislature has invested in these efforts, including education, workforce development, job training and adult literacy,to ensure the success of Iowa families, a stronger middle class and a growing economy.
    This week, legislators heard from students who have taken advantage of new worker training programs to improve their skills and their job opportunities. Pathway Navigators help students figure out what they need to do to get the education and job training that will help land them an in-demand local job. Successful career pathway programs also allow employers to share their perspectives on hiring, technology advances, and industry trends that can help develop successful education and job training programs.
    Chrystina Davis, a NIACC student from Mason City, spoke to legislators and credited the Navigator program and grant funding for health care worker training as forces that helped her climb out of poverty and be a good example of a student and worker to her children. 
    Our community colleges have taken on the challenge of training a skilled Iowa workforce, and Iowans of all ages and backgrounds are taking advantage of the opportunities they offer to prepare for meaningful work that will keep our state and citizens competitive.
• Upcoming forums
    I will be hosting a legislative forum with Rep. Linda Upmeyer at Center 1 in Hampton on Feb. 27 at 1 p.m. Earlier that day, we’ll be at another forum in Allison at the AmVets Center at 10 a.m.