S.E.L. (Summit Economic Leadership) Breakfast - Roundtable Discussion, Summit County Workforce Development Collaborative

Description

Over the past several years, numerous studies have been conducted that show a disturbing jobs-skills mismatch trend within the American workforce. In many industries in the economy, jobs are on the rise but there is a distinct lack of qualified workers to fill them. Despite jobs and the economy continuing to be in the forefront, this issue remains pervasive and unresolved. 

Workforce development, both nationwide and in Ohio, lacks a clear and cohesive strategy. It is a patchwork of private, public, and nonprofit entities offering a myriad of programs, often overlapping, that aim to provide job training, community outreach and bolster local economic activity. These services are necessary, but the lack of a centralized clearing house for information, standardized processes, communication, and leadership, has stymied the intended impact and potential for regional collaboration.

Two prominent industries in northeast Ohio, manufacturing and health care, have witnessed substantive advancements in automation, equipment technology, and software that has increased the baseline education required for many mid-skilled and advanced positions. However, much of the education required can be attained through a handful of courses, certifications, or associate and trade degree programs already available in our community.

Northeast Ohio boasts tremendous educational institutions, strong local business communities, and engaged public officials. Nowhere is this more evident than in Summit County, and in particular the City of Twinsburg. The Twinsburg community is uniquely positioned to take a leadership role in crafting a viable solution and tackling the issue of workforce development.

The Summit on Economic Leadership (SEL) breakfast series, presented by Kent State University in collaboration with the Twinsburg Chamber of Commerce, would like to invite you to be part of a community wide dialogue aimed at developing a sustainable and replicable path to resolve the skills mismatch that has plagued the jobs market for years.

Join us as we delve into the following topics of discussion

• Identifying the specific skills required by the business community for the vacant and emerging positions of their industry
• Collaborating with 4-year and 2-year college institutions to design the educational and vocational curriculum needs for tomorrows workforce
• Promoting alternative and non-traditional higher education opportunities amongst high school students and college underclassmen
• Capitalizing on local, state, and federal resources to help promote growth and stability
• Create a clear and defined pipeline