“I’ve been concerned about workforce:” Locals trying to expand resources for workforce development
DELMARVA – Strengthening workforce development, it’s an issue that local leaders, organizations, and school districts are working to tackle.
“I’ve been concerned about workforce, of course with the pandemic, you know we had a workforce shortage before the pandemic and now that we have gone through the pandemic we have an increasing problem,” Senator Addie Eckardt, said.
“Our employers have a need for our students to come into our workforce with specific skills,” the Principal of Dorchester Career and Technology Center, said.
Senator Addie Eckardt recently visited Caroline, Dorchester, and Talbot Counties saying the need for workforce development is an overarching theme.
Untangled Minds, a Caroline County organization, said the issues are no stranger to them either.
“There’s a huge shortage of skilled workers, they are just not there, I think the youngsters are choosing to not go into the trades, they don’t realize the opportunity and fulfillment,” Alan Stein, CEO of Untangled Minds, said.
Adding, there’s no real blueprint on how to fix the problem.
“I think everyone is aware of the problem and sees there’s an issue that has to be solved but there’s no template,” Stein said.
But, through their Advanced Manufacturing Professional Program, they’re trying to change that by giving high school students hands-on experience
“At the high school level educating about the importance of this need, about the craftsmanship and about the kids that are genuinely interested in it, linking them to business professionals before they even graduate,” Nicole Young, Executive Director of Untangled Minds, said.
And school districts said they’re working with community partners to give students a fighting chance.
“The more opportunities and more exposure that we can provide, the more businesses that get on board provide the opportunity, it’s going to benefit the students the community and the economy,” Lynn Sorrells, Youth Apprentice Coordinator for Dorchester Career and Technology Center, said.
“We are a good check and balance for each other, they tell us what the local needs are and we tell them this is how we are educating currently,” Bryan Ashby, Career and Technical Program Supervisor for Wicomico County Public School District, said.
While there is no clear answer on when the workforce development issue will be solved, we’re told now’s the time to address the issue.
“I think talking about it, talking with the kids about what they genuinely like and enjoy that way they can get on a path of a career, not a job, they’re invested,” Young said.
“We would also like to identify what are the barriers, how do we stream light the process,” Senator Eckardt said.
Senator Eckardt said there are some increased funding streams coming down from the federal level to build workforce development through workforce development boards.
