With the web bursting at the seams with research on how best to train our youth and adults for jobs, why do so many communities struggle with underemployment and unemployment? What do local governments, schools and higher education need to do, in collaboration, to create a seamless system of education that flows directly to jobs? And how do we ensure that jobs have good wages, working conditions and benefits? It may sound complex, but with the right people in the room, a countywide strategic plan can be created to ensure that children are growing up in households where parents are able to provide all the basics.
Technology is changing the way we train for jobs, find positions and work. Living wage jobs create stable families. Having money just makes it easier to raise kids, afford medical care, and achieve the stability that you need to form good supportive relationships.
Eric’s mom Tess knows that a college education means a better life for her entire family. We can ensure that higher ed aligns with the future job markets.
Whether economic stability is accomplished by a high minimum wage, a wage subsidy, or some free-market solution we have yet to see in the real world, we are open to ideas. If the result is parents with a living wage, their children are better cared for and the risk for adverse childhood experiences is reduced.
Innovations focus on technology to identify job seekers and to enhance job training, placement, strengthening entrepreneurship and economic development. Higher education plays a vital role as the workforce becomes engaged with their communities, and begin working to meeting local needs for accessible programs.