As low unemployment rates and the war for skilled workers continues, local leaders are increasing their long-term focus on how to tackle the problem – and it involves thinking about the supply of available workers as early as kindergarten.
Finding enough workers for roles where technology is constantly changing is the number one issue facing businesses in our area.
Southwest Michigan Regional Chamber CEO Arthur Havlicek said the solution requires a comprehensive approach — making sure our area has adequate housing, available child-care, sufficient broadband services, and the like — and that companies are thinking about education as a vital worker supply chain component.
“We’re encouraging businesses to work more closely with suppliers, again your 4-years, your 2-years, even your K through 12s, and communicate with them – what are the skills that you need for your talent to be successful in today’s marketplace,” said Havlicek.
Havlicek said it’s also about companies reevaluating job requirements – thinking about what might seem like a standalone role today – like social media expert – could be table stakes for any number of roles tomorrow.
Another differentiator – remote work flexibility.
Havlicek recently graduated from a U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation fellowship program, joining a national network focused specifically on education and workforce initiatives.
