Industry forums for area employers key to closing ‘Skills Gap’

The region`s leading economic stumbling block may not be a lack of jobs, but a lack of skills to match jobs that are available now or will soon be. The question is, what skills for which jobs?

Through a series of `Skills Gap Forums," that`s exactly what Workforce Connection and its community partners in Citrus, Levy and Marion counties hope to find out. The forums begin Monday, June 18 and take place at the College of Central Florida`s campuses in Ocala and Lecanto as well as CF`s Levy Center in Chiefland.

Employers are invited to participate in any and all of the county-based industry sector forums as well as regional forums for industries that impact all three counties. The forums will be conducted by the Chicago-based firm of Thomas P. Miller and Associates and are designed to identify critical skills employers need for their industry.

`We`re not suggesting that the pool of talent that`s available is unskilled, but job seekers may not have the skills needed to compete in our current and emerging job market," said Workforce Connection CEO Rusty Skinner. "What we`re hearing from employers is that they have jobs, but can`t find applicants and college graduates with the qualifications they need for their industry."

Across the country, an estimated 3 million jobs are currently unfilled because employers cannot find qualified workers, according to the National Skills Coalition, formerly Workforce Alliance.

Skinner said that the "Skills Gap Forums" will guide local economic development, workforce and education partners in developing strategies and curricula to help close skills gaps.

"We welcome and need the business community`s participation," Skinner said. "Employers` input is key to making the connection between the skills that are needed and the jobs that are available."

The following forums are scheduled:

Citrus County forums take place Thursday, June 28 at CF`s Citrus Campus, 3800 S. Lecanto Highway, in Lecanto.
· Manufacturing 8:30-10:30 a.m.
· Business and Financial Services 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
· Healthcare (Regional Forum) 1:30-3:30 p.m.
· Information Technology 4-6 p.m.

Levy County forums are held Monday, June 18 at CF`s Levy Center, 114 Rodgers Blvd., in Chiefland.
Manufacturing 9-11 a.m.
Agribusiness (Regional Forum) 1-3 p.m.

Marion County forums are set for Tuesday, June 19 and Friday, June 29 at CF`s Klein Conference Center, 3001 SW College Road, in Ocala.
Manufacturing June 19 from 9-11 a.m.
Transportation/Distribution/Warehousing/Marine (Regional Forum) June 19 from 1-3 p.m.
Information Technology June 29 from 8:30-10 a.m.
Business and Financial Services June 29 from 1:30-3:30 p.m.

The forums are sponsored by Workforce Connection, the College of Central Florida, Citrus County Economic Development Council, Citrus County Schools, Marion County Public Schools, Nature Coast Business Development Council, Ocala/Marion County Economic Development Corporation and the School Board of Levy County.

Employers and/or their representatives may attend any forums regardless of location. Refreshments will be provided. To RSVP, or for more information, call 800-746-9950, ext. 2230 or register online at www.clmworkforce.com.