Many people would like to choose careers that society holds in high regard or that generate high incomes, but some are finding that the competition is so stiff, that it’s hard to make a good living or even obtain a job in those dream occupations. But at this year’s Governor’s Forum on Education and Workforce Training, educators and business leaders discussed how to better prepare students for modern careers that maintain a decent quality of life—and also keep jobs in the Commonwealth.
Governor McDonnell told participants he still thinks that one must get a good education to obtain a good career and be successful—but that must include training in skills that will augment what’s learned early in life and college. Secretary of Education Laura Fornash also says it’s long overdue for educators and business leaders to join together to develop a comprehensive strategy to help students set realistic goals:
“It’s trying to better align what our educational programs are providing–the preparation of our young people as well as retraining. We need to make sure that we have programs in place to be able to develop the workforce for, as I mentioned, today’s jobs as well as those for the future and that alignment is really critical,” says Fornash.
She says that means building an interest for future jobs at the K-12 level and providing more trade alternatives in community colleges. Fornash says while educators are addressing the academic component, business leaders are devising ways to enhance job opportunities and skills training so that students will want to stay in Virginia long after they are credentialed.
–Tommie McNeil
Virginia Public Radio 