As the Commonwealth continues to grow, officials are always looking for skilled workers. Lawmakers recently heard an update from work force programs that had been granted funding from the state budget.
Robyn Domber is vice president of Development Counsellors International or DCI. She said their research shows a new hole emerging in the workforce.
“We do have a shrinking labor force, and before the end of the decade, it's estimated that there will be a shortfall of roughly six million workers, which certainly puts pressure on the economic growth and competitiveness of the U.S.,” Domber said.
DCI officials said they plan to combat this by bringing in new talent to Kentucky. Domber proposed a marketing campaign that would reach out to skilled workers and families in border states as well as larger states like Texas, California and Florida. She said campaigns in these states could inform skilled workers and families about the benefits of Kentucky and the opportunities for dependable careers and enjoyable lifestyles.
DCI asked lawmakers for $3.5 million to support a three-year plan to develop and utilize this marketing campaign. Some lawmakers, however, questioned the effectiveness of this strategy and if the work being done really requires investing that much.
Micheal Gritton with Kentucky Works also met with lawmakers to discuss the use of the state dollars for their program to build the work force. He said the real work starts with bringing careers to high schools.
“We’re putting people into skilled training using the community college. We are doing short-term trainings like welding, and CDLs, and certified nursing. It’s similar work but a different funding stream that allows us to serve more people and different people than the federal money,” Gritton said.
Gritton said unlike these state dollars, federal funding tends to exclude high schools, forcing students to first graduate and become disconnected from any possible career before receiving guidance. He said offering students’ opportunities for paid internships is necessary for sparking growth in the job market.
Officials with Kentucky Works said they aim to increase job placement by 3,600 jobs within two years.