by Murrel Bland
Sheri Gonzales Warren wants to know what the employment needs are of Kansas City businesses.
Warren, who works with workforce development at the Mid-America Regional Council, told of her efforts to match employer needs with qualified employees at the monthly meeting Friday, Sept. 16, of the Congressional Forum at the Reardon Convention Center. The Kansas City, Kan., Area Chamber of Commerce sponsors the forum.
Warren said it is most important for a workforce to be educated in a way that benefits employers. Education is a key component.
Warren said that an analysis of area school districts for the 2014-2015 school year indicates that not enough adults have received the necessary post-secondary training to enter the workforce.
The numbers in Wyandotte County districts showed that those who have the necessary training were the following: Kansas City, Kan., 40.4 percent; Turner, 44.1; Piper, 46.6 and Bonner Springs, 35.3. That number was even lower in the Kansas City, Mo., District at 33 percent. The same report showed that 82 percent of the jobs required post-secondary training.
Bill Dunn Jr., a member of the chamber whose family has long been involved in the construction business, urged Warren to work with labor union. He said there is a severe shortage of various trades in the construction business.
The Wyandotte Economic Development Council reports that there is a severe shortage of machinists, diesel mechanics, welders and warehouse workers. The Technical Education Center at the Kansas City Kansas Community College is working to help fill that need.
Warren said one the problems with post-secondary education is student debt. She said a website that the MARC makes available shows the various financial aid that is available at no cost. The Kansas City region is one of 22 cities that has accepted the challenge to increase applications for such training by 10 percent by 2017.
Warren said a free expo is planned Thursday, Nov. 2, to let prospective employees learn of employment opportunities. For more information, telephone Warren at 816-701-8308.
Murrel Bland is the former editor of The Wyandotte West and The Piper Press. He is the executive director of Business West.