Demands in the modern day workforce from employers are changing quickly.
Skillsets are changing rapidly, and technology is aiding in that change.
However, a new report from the Western Governor’s Association says the education system is not keeping up with those demands.
South Dakota Governor Dennis Daugaard, along with several other governors from the Western Governor’s Association are releasing a report that takes a look at Daugaard’s key initiative… workforce development.
Daugaard, who is chair of the WGA, says the report shows a disconnect between education and the workplace. He says the workplace is changing faster than education can keep up.
“We don’t want to spend four years or seven years training for an occupation that may not be in demand four years or seven years later. But if we just train for a year or six months, then get a modest credential that gives us access to the workplace, then it’s much more likely the credential in which we’re training will actually be in demand in the workplace.”
One of the ideas floated by the new report is an emphasis on stackable credits, where those furthering their education can do so with a specific industry in mind, and stack credits on top of their education while also working. Daugaard says the challenge now is to implement ideas offered in the report. Especially, he says, in South Dakota.
“I’m very pleased both of our gubernatorial candidates are interested in workforce and are very aware of the needs to address the skills gap. I will continue to work on this for the last six months of my term, but I know that both governor candidates will—who ever wins in November—will be aware of this and hopefully be able to pick up the baton right away and continue this long relay race.”
The Western Governor’s Association conference continues in Rapid City through Wednesday.