It’s a comment that I hear far too often from employers: “All we need from our new hires is (fill in the blank).” And typically, that blank is filled in with something other than academic skills. For example, a physician at a national education conference earlier this month told a room full of state superintendents, governors’ aides and other policy leaders that all he needed was “someone who can pass a drug test.”
Really? Is that all that our employers need these days?
Think about that for a minute. Would you really hire a high school dropout, for example, if he passed a drug test? Even if he dressed nicely, wore close-toed shoes, talked politely and showed up on time, would that really be enough? What if that same polite, well-dressed guy couldn’t read or do simple math computations?
Unfortunately, that is the message that a lot of educators are hearing from us. Indeed, I can’t count the number of times that I have heard a teacher or a school administrator lecturing a legislator, an employer or some other audience about the “misguided attention” that we are giving to standards, testing and accountability. “That’s not what employers need,” we are told about math, science and language skills. “What businesses really need is someone who will show up on time and can work in teams.”
True enough. Employers do need those traits in their employees. But is that all they need?
In some circles, these alternatives to academics are referred to as “soft skills” or “21st century skills.” Yes, there are some who define those terms much more rigorously; but nearly always, those skills are viewed as alternatives to rigorous academics. And whether intended that way or not, that’s what a lot of educators are hearing from us.
Alice Seagran, Minnesota’s Commissioner of Education, had a pretty blunt response to the physician quoted above: “This is pathetic,” she told a room full of her colleagues and other education leaders, “to have such low expectations. We must start talking about much higher expectations for learning and values.” She noted that far too many parents already think their children can succeed without algebra – because they didn’t need algebra. Having employers downplay such things is even more troubling.
Yes, our employers need workers who can show up on time, who will pass drug tests, who work well with others, etc. But if our communications continue to give precedence to those personal traits, then we may soon find that that is all that we get.
From the Desk of
Derek Redelman
Vice President, Education and Workforce Development Policy
Indiana Chamber of Commerce
Sept. 18, 2009--A new information technology company officially opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday.
G6 Communications opened its office at 105 N. Jefferson St. earlier this summer. It was founded in 2007 by Ossian native Blake King and IT professional John Kotski. In 2009 they added partner Mark Clemens to the team. All three partners are veterans of the U.S. Marine Corps. The name G6 Communications is a tribute to the Marine Corps. The Marines’ G6 unit is responsible for the coordination and supervision of all communications and information systems management functions for the Corps. It also happens to be the unit where King and Kotski served together while stationed in Okinawa, Japan.
The Wells County Chamber of Commerce has welcomed G6 Communications as an important part of the community. “G6 Communications provides its customers state-of-the-art technology services and support,” said Wells County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Suzanne Huffman. “We are proud to have G6 in Wells County and also part of the Wells County Chamber of Commerce.”
G6 Communications brings businesses based in rural communities the same level of technical support as their metropolitan competitors. In order to compete in today’s marketplace, businesses must embrace technology as a tool. But as the level of technology increases, so does the complexity-bringing with it the dangers of security breaches and data loss. G6 forms long-term partnerships with businesses, finding solutions to information technology issues and improving business operations.
King, an Ossian native, is an experienced Cisco and Microsoft certified network engineer. In his career, he has led several large technology projects and deployments as well as managed millions of dollars in technology equipment worldwide. King began his career in the telecommunications and network operations industries in the U.S. Marine Corps, where he received the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal for exceptional service as a tactical network engineer.
Kotski is a Cisco and Microsoft certified network engineer with multiple awards from the United States Marine Corp for exceptional service in the network operations field. He has 12 years of experience in the communications industry. Recently, while at Northrup Grumman, Kotski was the lead security engineer, securing critical information systems for the Multinational Division in Iraq.
Clemens, a veteran of Operation Desert Storm, has 17 years of experience in the communications field. He has managed field operations across the country for several companies including GTE, Comcast, Nielsen Media Research, and Great American Broadband.
For more information, visit www.g6com.com.
Ivy Tech Community College introduces its new speakers' bureau entitled Ask Our Experts to the State of Indiana. This online database of accomplished individuals is available to share their knowledge and expertise with the community. Ask Our Experts first began in the spring as a collection of faculty and staff from Ivy Tech's Fort Wayne campus that were willing to share their knowledge and expertise with television and print media, civic groups, community groups, among others. Now, the project expands to all Ivy Tech campuses across the state. This online resource is available at www.ivytech.edu/experts.
"The depth of knowledge and expertise Ivy Tech's faculty and staff has to offer is one of Indiana's most valuable sources of qualified information," said Ivy Tech Community College President Thomas J. Snyder. "I am very pleased to introduce this new service, as we share this resource with all residents of Indiana and across the country."
There are currently more than 130 experts and 300 areas of interest covered by the faculty and staff who volunteered to be a part of Ask Our Experts. The database of qualified, seasoned individuals will continue to grow. Areas of interest include both vocational and avocational topics.
For questions about Ask Our Experts, contact Jeff Fanter, vice president for communications and marketing, at 317-921-4502 or jfanter@ivytech.edu. Again, Ask Our Experts is available by visiting www.ivytech.edu/experts.
Ivy Tech Community College is the state's largest public post-secondary institution and the nation's largest singly-accredited statewide community college system with more than 130,000 students enrolled annually. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana. It serves as the state's engine of workforce development, offering affordable degree programs and training that are aligned with the needs of its community along with courses and programs that transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association.
The only thing better than reading a good book is discussing a good book with someone else who has read it!
One Book, One County is the county’s first community read program, sponsored by the Wells County Public Library. A team of community volunteers chose Rocket Boys, the humorous and moving memoir by retired NASA engineer Homer Hickam, as our one book. We encourage everyone to read Rocket Boys during September and October. Thanks to the financial support of the Wells County Foundation, the United Way of Wells County and the Friends of the Library, the library has over 100 copies for loan. Multiple copies may be checked out for book clubs, civic and social groups and even businesses to participate. Those wishing to own a copy may purchase one ($6.00 ea.) at the library. A variety of programs based around the themes of the book are in the planning, including an interactive display from the Fort Wayne Science Central, rocket launches, book discussions, trivia challenge, guest speakers on space and rocketry, and a 50’s sock hop
Unemployment Compensation Insurance Workshop
Date: 9/23/2009
Time: 8:15 AM TO 12:00 PM
Event Description:
Presented by the Indiana Department of Workforce Development and the Greater
You’ve finished your Labor Day plans. But have you made plans to deal with Labor and Employment issues? Recent state legislation impacts your business. Stay informed, be prepared. This workshop will equip you with the tools to manage these changes successfully. Join Chamber and Department of Workforce Development officials for an update on the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund legislation (HEA 1379) and how it impacts necessary procedures for employers.
This workshop offers a comprehensive overview of the general processes specific to employers, a discussion on the effects of the newly passed Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund legislation and how the Department of Workforce Development can work with you to ensure compliance with the new law.
Topics include:
Successfully Representing Yourself in Unemployment Insurance Matters
Unemployment Insurance Claims & the UI System
Online Employer Self-Service of Unemployment Processing
Employers and Unemployment Insurance
Q & A with the panel
Cost to attend:
Cost is $50 for Wells County Chamber members, $80 for non-members. Register three or more people from your company and receive a discounted rate of $35/person (Chamber members), $65/person (non-members).
To register by phone or for more information, call
| ||||
|
|
