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Take 5: De Ready or Beware

by Patricia D. Claghorn, Ed. D

In the next 10 years, there will be a significant shortage of talent in the workforce, explains Patricia D. Claghorn, Ed. D., Dean, Business Studies, Rowan College at Gloucester County. This will be caused by an improving economy and demographic and technological shifts that will require employees and job seekers to possess the education and training needed for the jobs in demand.

Knowing that this talent shortage is upon us, Claghorn offers these tips on how to be prepared.

EMPLOYERS: Take a partner. If you have not already done so, forge partnerships with the community and four-year colleges and universities in your region. These institutions will be a major source of talent.

EMPLOYEES: Take stock of your credentials. Do you have the degrees and training that will prepare you for the jobs in demand? If not, consider online programs such as those offered by your local community colleges. These programs are structured so that you can complete your degree while working. Moreover, community colleges have excellent articulation agreements with four-year institutions so that you can easily complete your bachelor’s degree.

JOB SEEKERS: Explore your career options. Consider your own interests, skills and abilities and compare those with the jobs in demand. Use sites such as Career Coach, which are free and will help you to consider a wider range of possibilities.

STUDENTS: Do your research and earn the certificates, degrees and experience that will set you apart.

HR DEPARTMENTS: Work with your local community and four-year institutions to establish recruitment pools. Consider hosting cooperative education students via programs such as the RCGC Cooperative Education Work Experience Program. These experiences will benefit the students and will allow you to market your organization to a wide range of available talent.

Published (and copyrighted) in South Jersey Biz, Volume 6, Issue 4 (April, 2016).
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