Report: State's economic recovery tied to jobs requiring technical education
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
10/16/2009
CLEVELAND, WI –
More than 426,000 "middle-skill" job openings— those that require more than a high school diploma, but less than a four-year degree— are projected for the state of Wisconsin by 2016, according to a study released yesterday by The Workforce Alliance and the Skills2Compete-Wisconsin campaign.
To unleash the full economic benefits of these openings, the report says, Wisconsin needs to continue to invest in proper training and education for its embattled workforce. The campaign is calling on state leaders to embrace a strong vision: Every Wisconsinite should have access to education or training past high school leading to a technical degree or diploma, occupational credential, industry certification, or first two years of college.
About 54 percent of all jobs are classified as middle-skill, but only 46 percent of Wisconsin workers likely have the credentials to fill them, according to the report. Middle-skill jobs expected to grow by 2016 in Wisconsin include police and sheriff's patrol officers with average annual earnings of $45,269, carpenters with average annual earnings of $38,760 and registered nurses with average annual earnings of $57,376.
Based on unavoidable demographic trends — including baby-boomer retirements — demand for highly-skilled workers and programs to train incumbent and dislocated workers in Wisconsin will remain strong through at least 2016.
"Our 16 technical colleges are uniquely positioned to provide postsecondary career and technical education and respond to the training needs of business across the state," said Wisconsin Technical College System President Dan Clancy.
LTC President Michael Lanser added, "At the local level, Lakeshore Technical College is finding innovative ways to deliver education and training to working adults and dislocated workers, particularly for those students who are not college ready. Anyone can pursue instruction here at whatever point and pace makes sense for their lifestyle or individual needs."
LTC offers pre-trades math and reading courses to students pursuing careers in welding, industrial maintenance and machine tool, helping them transition back into the classroom so they can succeed during regular program courses.
LTC also is offering customer service courses aimed at creating career pathways for English Language Learners and Adult Basic Education students.
"Customer Service Techniques" is being taught under the innovative I-BEST (Integrated Basic Education Skills Training) teaching model, which integrates college credit courses with English language and adult basic skills. The course is team taught by a qualified adult basic education instructor and a subject-matter expert faculty-member.
Currently 15 students are enrolled in the first course which will help to qualify students for Hotel & Hospitality Management Certificate I, upon their successful completion of two courses.
Members of the Skills2Compete-Wisconsin campaign will meet in Washington, D.C., in November with congressional leaders to review the study's findings and encourage further federal efforts to ensure all workers can get the skills they need to play a role in economic recovery. The report is funded by the Joyce Foundation and the Ford Foundation.
About Lakeshore Technical College
Lakeshore Technical College is a leading provider of technical education offering 100 career programs including associate degrees, technical diplomas, technical certificates, and apprenticeship programs. In addition, LTC offers distance learning, customized training to business and industry, and continuing educational opportunities.
Serving a 200,500-resident population in east central Wisconsin, LTC operates a main campus in Cleveland; additional learning sites at LTC Manitowoc and LTC Sheboygan; Community Education Centers at area high schools in Kiel, Mishicot, Plymouth, Random Lake, Reedsville, and Two Rivers; and 27 distance learning sites. LTC’s mission is to enrich lives and strengthen the economy by preparing a workforce that is skilled, diverse and flexible. On average, 79% of LTC graduates work in the LTC District which includes Manitowoc and Sheboygan Counties, and parts of Calumet and Ozaukee Counties. Visit LTC at: gotoltc.edu.
