Forum

With summer almost over, students across the Valley are preparing to go back to school. Public schools have come under criticism for not properly preparing students for the world of work, so the Business Journal asks: Do you think schools are adequately preparing students for the workforce? George Kehrer Executive Director Community Assisting Recovery Inc. In terms of volunteers, their use of the English language and mathematics skills seem somewhat deficient. People aren’t able to write as well as I think they should, or do simple calculations, even simple addition or math problems. But with volunteers, it’s a little different. You’re not dealing with the usual workforce. I’m sure people are a little more qualified in the general workplace. Ken Murphy (photo) General Counsel CarsDirect.com Absolutely not. I see students who really lack communication skills and lack the ability to accomplish tasks in a quality manner. The reason is, they’re not taught the skills in school. Their work is accepted in school and they bring that to the workforce. We have to teach people communication skills, how to test solutions before they submit them. I think it goes back to a failure in schools because they don’t have the time or the resources to devote. Robert Kiger Technical Recruiter General Employment College is good for the individual, but not in terms of preparing students for the workforce in any form. If two people apply for a job and one person has a degree and the other has four years of workforce experience, the one with the experience will get the job. Some of the major colleges now are more directed toward e-commerce and specific skills. That helps people more for when they get out. So it’s getting a little better. Ray Pearl Deputy Director of Governmental Affairs Building Industry Association Yes, I do. I think test scores are going up and schools are doing a good job. The concern we have in the building industry is that many schools are doing away with their vocational programs that might help people prepare for jobs in our industry. In the trades and construction jobs, many students come straight from high school. That’s where vocational programs are so important. The more programs they have, the better prepared students are.