January 25, 2012 -- During CTE Month, CTE programs and CTSOs across the country host a variety of events showcasing their programs and students' successes to their community, policymakers and business leaders. This year's theme is Careers Through Education, emphasizing that CTE creates career pathways and teaches vital employability skills that employers are seeking in a 21st-century workforce.

As the American economy recovers, the role of CTE is critically important. In a recent report "Help Wanted: Projections of Jobs and Education Requirements through 2018" published by the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce, data show that the United States will need at least 4.7 million new workers with postsecondary certificates. Secondary and postsecondary CTE programs both provide a large portion of needed credentials and ensure the American workforce is prepared to fill the evolving needs of business and industry. Overall, the demand for workers with postsecondary education, including associates' degrees and postsecondary certificates that can be obtained through CTE, will jump from 59 percent of all jobs to 63 percent by 2018.

January 25, 2012 -- And…another article about the importance of providing today's workforce with job skills…hey, isn't that what the Lorain County JVS Adult Career Center specializes in?

This article was originally published on January 19, 2012 in the 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 workforce 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.

Meeting the challenge requires providing companies with the skilled workers they need, so all can prosper.