Good training = good workers

Finding a pool of qualified workers is one of the biggest struggles for companies in these days of high-tech everything. There is a severe shortage of STEM-trained employees, those in the science, technology, engineering and math careers.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics says private industry is suffering the most. Nationwide, the shortfall is about 1 million people. One way to increase this pool of highly trained workers is by promoting these careers to students and forming partnerships between local schools and employers in an area.

That’s what the Iowa Lakes Corridor Development Corporation is doing with its Business Education Partnerships program. They are also coming up with innovative ways of making training available to workers of all ages.

Here are highlights of the program.