Secretary of Career Connections Highlights Programs for Hoosier Workers and Employers
On October 25, Governor Holcomb’s first-appointed Secretary for Career Connections and Talent, Blair Milo, visited with Scott County stakeholders at the Mid-America Science Park in Scottsburg, Ind., to discuss changes in the economy and workforce and implementing solutions for Hoosier students, workers and employers.
Developing a 21st Century skilled and ready workforce is one of five pillars in Governor Holcomb’s agenda to take Indiana to the Next Level as over a million job openings are expected over the next ten years.
To build a 21st Century workforce, Hoosier education and workforce systems must be aligned to:
- Provide every Hoosier student with an effective baseline education infused with STEM, intellectual curiosity, critical thinking and other attributes that prepare them for lifelong learning
- Ensure students graduate high school ready to go to college, pursue meaningful training and employment in a field of their choice, and/or with the skills to go directly into a quality job
- Connect working age adults to education and career training that is aligned to industry needs and leads directly to employment
“The nature of work across all industries is changing faster than ever before due to new technology, global connectedness, an aging workforce and many other worldwide trends. Collaboration between families, industry, education, and community has never been more critical to ensure equal opportunity for a successful career keeps pace with the rate of change,” said Secretary Milo.
Secretary Milo is connecting with local and regional leaders across the state to grow alignment and collaboration tailored to community needs. During her visit, Secretary Milo discussed the following:
- Reviewed a county-wide snapshot with the most recent county-specific data displaying: current job vacancies by industry with associated wages and educational requirement; future job demand forecasts; and county demographics including self-sufficiency wages and labor force trends.
- Identified state, regional and local assets to assist with improving career connections and closing current gaps.
- Identified what’s working well and what changes could/should be pursued to inform a regionally or locally driven talent pipeline.
