SIOUX FALLS, S.D (KELO AM) - The President of Lake Area Technical Institute in Watertown told the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation that technical institutes are uniquely qualified to help close a gap in the skilled workforce.
Mike Cartney says the U.S approach and focus on postsecondary education does not align with the nation's workforce needs. He say 80% of the jobs in 2025 will require postsecondary education and 80% of those "will require postsecondary credential short of a four year degree."
Yet he says the country continues to strongly value and push students toward four year degrees resulting in a mismatch between the education people are receiving and the workforce needs.
Cartney says simultaneously there are great jobs available for those with the right skills.
Cartney says there's a long list of South Dakota businesses that have had to turn away contracts, delay or forgo expansion or leave positions unfilled because they couldn't find properly skilled workers.
He says South Dakota could quadruple its welding, electrician and licensed practical nursing capacities and still not meet the openings available just in this state. He says the scenario is repeated in various skill sets across the country.
Cartney says the technical skills gap is profoundly affecting industry and negatively impacting the growth of local economies.
He says bonds must be tightened between education and industries. Cartney says high demand occupations must be re-imaged so they are highly valued by society. He endorses early engagement with middle and high school students and parents to remind them of the great opportunities available.
Cartney says it's important to align postsecondary education with emerging workforce demands and provide the infrastructure and tools to ensure the educational system is responsive to industry as well as individual needs.
He says local, state and federal governments must look for innovative ways to be catalysts for workforce development. He referenced "Build Dakota," a program that makes college achievable in exchange for a commitment to work in the state.
Cartney was invited to testify by Senator John Thune who is the chair of the committee. The hearing was titled "Closing the Skills Gap and Boosting U.S Competitiveness."