At a recent Business & Education Summit, the Kewaunee County Economic Development Corporation (KCEDC) invited employers and educators to discuss how to better match student career readiness with current and future workforce needs.
Jeff Sachse, Senior Economist with the WI Department of Workforce Development offered insight into Kewaunee County’s workforce challenges including ;
- Population growth has slowed with only incremental increased projected
- Rural communities are challenged to offer amenities that appeal to younger generations
- Kewaunee County industry sectors continue to pay wages below state averages.
- Employers are challenged to connect with talent; leaving positions unfilled
Download Jeff Sachse’s full presentation
KCEDC surveyed local employers to understand workforce challenges impacting their operations. Key points include;
- Employers surveyed were unable to fill 88 open positions in the previous 12 months
- Hundreds of applicants didn’t pass the preliminary screening because they could not pass a pre-employment test.
- Employers surveyed projected 220 new hires within the next 12 months
Download KCEDC’s Employer Survey
Educators stressed the importance of collaboration as the schools implement Academic and Career Planning (ACP). Karen Treml, Kewaunee School District Administrator offered an overview of ACP and the critical role of the local employers. Check out this You Tube video to learn more Academic and Career Planning Video Scribe
NEXT STEPS: Increased communication with the schools as they advance Career & Academic Planning, as well as a second Business & Education Summit.
