Washtenaw Community College president Dr. Rose B. Bellanca says that filling the skills gap in young workers is the key to keeping the momentum behind Michigan’s economic prosperity.
The Ann Arbor-based school she leads aims to do just that.
“We’re fortunate to live and work in Washtenaw County, where job growth and other economic indicators are expected to continue to outpace the state average over the next three years. That message was clear when University of Michigan economists recently presented their Washtenaw County Economic Outlook report at an event I hosted at Washtenaw Community College,” Bellanca said in a release.
She noted that more hard work needs to be done in order to continue that position into the future.
“Michigan’s population is aging and growing at a very slow rate, so there’s a smaller pool of candidates to fill our workforce pipeline. While the state government works to boost population growth and retain the state’s talent, WCC and other community colleges are playing a pivotal role in keeping the state’s pipeline moving.”
Not only does WCC fill the important role of educating students who then transfer to earn a bachelor’s degree, they’re also providing the technical training that gets people into jobs that require an associate degree or certificate.
That’s really important for the future because we need to get the most out of our potential labor force. We need to get people into the labor force that were out, we need to get them trained, and we need to increase their productivity.
University of Michigan economist Donald Grimes
According to Bellanca, predicted job growth in skilled trades and fields with higher education will be slow.
“Jobs that can be filled by someone with a high school education are the slowest growing sector,” she said.
“This isn’t a new challenge for WCC. It’s one of the main reasons we exist – to train the talent necessary for our county to be successful. We’ve always reacted to the needs of the community.”
In response to the growing need for working from local healthcare systems, like Michigan Medicine and Trinity Health, WCC started programs for qualified medical assistants and cardiac telemetry technicians.
The Ann Arbor school also created a partnership with Ohio-based Trainco Truck Driving School to bring their training directly to Ann Arbor.
“Recent surveys confirm what we’ve long known: the skills gap is real, and it’s growing. Employers across various sectors are struggling to find workers with the right expertise, leading to increased demand for alternative credentials and rapid upskilling initiatives,” Bellanca added.
“It’s happening here in Washtenaw County. There’s a mismatch between the skills employers need and the skills the local workforce possesses. This disparity is exacerbated by the rapid evolution of technology, which constantly reshapes the demands of the job market.”
Bellanca said that educators need to tackle the challenge head-on by being proactive and agents of chang by adapting curriculum to meet the shifting needs of employers.
The community college presidents added that arming students with tools for their success will make them thrive, empowers them and drives economic growth.
“By equipping our students with relevant skills, we not only enhance their employability but also bolster the businesses that rely on a skilled workforce.
Moreover, addressing the skills gap reaffirms the value of a college education, especially in the eyes of skeptics who question its worth. By demonstrating tangible outcomes, such as high employment rates and career advancement opportunities, we dispel doubts and underscore the importance of post-secondary education,” Bellanca said, noting that there is an urgency to fill skills gaps that have become mroe noticable over recent years.
“Leaders of community colleges bear a solemn responsibility to our students and our communities. At Washtenaw, we take this duty seriously, leveraging taxpayer dollars to deliver exceptional education programs that meet the needs of our region.”
She added that the college’s record speaks for itself and that the educational instute has listened to the needs of employers, adapted it programs as needed and equipped thousands of students with the skills to succeed.
“The task of bridging the skills gap is not new to us. It’s a challenge we’ve confronted time and again, armed with resilience, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to our mission. As we chart a course forward, we’ll draw upon our past successes to navigate the uncertainties of the future,” Bellanca said.
“Together, we’ll continue to close the skills gap, one student at a time, ensuring a brighter future for all.”