Education
The power of workforce development
Smart Business Akron/Canton | April 2005
Competition, technology and tougher standards for quality, service and timeliness are reshaping how companies large and small manage their employees, operate their workplaces and choose locations for their facilities. For Greater Akron to have an advantage, it must have a strong workforce.
Knowledge is the asset for the future; it has replaced capital, labor and natural resources as the key to success in the 21st century. Workers today need new and different skills. They must contend with the changing needs of employers and be ready to add new skills in anticipation of employer demands. Conversely, employers must commit to training and re-educating their workers.
The region needs workers whose skills keep pace with the constantly changing environment. Because workers are the primary resource for the local economy, work force quality is a key ingredient in growing and sustaining the economy.
Work force development impacts everyone who lives here. It:
* Enhances the value of workers to businesses
* Supports programs to prepare, educate and train workers
* Assists employers by helping to improve the skills of their current work force
* Encourages employees to upgrade their skills and education
* Serves as an informed resource on work force education, training and innovative programs
* Commits to improving the region
Source: The mission of The Job Center and Summit County Workforce Policy Board is to maximize employment and economic opportunity in Summit County by being the resource for every job-seeker and employer in the region. Reach it at (330) 786-2501 or www.summitworks.org.
