Coping with a skills shortage

Coping with a skills shortage

Akron Beacon Journal: As the economy continues its slow recovery, a chronic frustration festers. Many employers report difficulties finding skilled employees, despite high unemployment levels. The skills deficit was noted again in a recent report on Ohio by the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland.

The Cleveland Fed found hiring slow in the manufacturing sector, adding that those firms that were hiring had difficulty recruiting professionals and highly skilled production workers.

In setting priorities for the year, John Kasich rightly has reaffirmed a commitment to couple the state’s educational system with work force development. Fortunately, the governor can build on the work of his predecessor, Ted Strickland.

One goal is to improve graduation rates at public-supported universities, increasing the state’s attractiveness to high-tech, high-growth employers. Kasich also correctly sees the need to align the state’s entire educational system with existing work opportunities. That means more industry partnerships with community colleges, a greater use of vocational and co-op programs and realigning training programs to operate more effectively.

More than anything, the harsh recession has provided a brutal reminder of the long-term transformation of Ohio’s economy.