SFHS Falconer

We all have heard about the current and future skills gap and the need for skilled workers in our country and Sheboygan County. A few years ago when this was really hitting the media and I was hearing it more and more from local businesses, I wondered …how this could be? How, with such high unemployment could there be such a need for workers?

After meeting with and visiting numerous companies in our county, I clearly understood what this meant. They don’t just need workers, they need skilled workers. Workers who can collaborate, problem solve and are willing to be lifelong learners. The advancements in manufacturing and the jobs that are available in our own backyard are amazing to me.

A recent article in U.S. News and World Report stated that “U.S. manufacturing employs more than 12 million workers directly, recent figuresfrom the Bureau of Labor Statistics show. There remain, however, about 600,000 skilled manufacturing jobs unfilled” and “if we can’t fill the skills gap, it’s going to be very difficult to be competitive in the global market.”

This past week, Sheboygan Falls High School hosted a career exploration event here at school for our entire freshman class. All ninth graders had the opportunity to hear from and question Kohler employees in relation to 10 different career areas ranging from hospitality to manufacturing and engineering.

The common themes I hear from all local companies is their willingness to train employees and their commitment to help their employees advance their education. When I say education, I mean a free technical and/or college education. So, if your child is undecided or unsure of how he or she going to pay for college, I want you to know that there are many great opportunities at local companies that value and reward employees. I encourage you to get on to Career Cruising and Inspire Sheboygan County (see article below) with your child and explore what is out there.