Jobs have changed, and education must keep up
Today's jobs have changed, there's no doubt about that. Even compared with five years ago, certain industries are vastly different. The skills needed in business, technology, healthcare and manufacturing have advanced so quickly that our education system has struggled to keep up. Our students are graduating with degrees but get to work on the first day and are not as prepared as we need them to be.
Our workforce is the lifeblood of our economy. With a strong workforce, businesses thrive, the economy booms and the community blossoms. A less-than-prepared workforce is detrimental to businesses, the economy and the community.
Our education system must continue to progress to keep up with industry advancements. Our schools need to evolve to adequately prepare the workforce of today and the future.
Our facilities and curriculum need to be continuously updated, and we need to foster conversations between our educators and businesses to understand what's needed from the next generation of workers.
Preparing workers for today's high-tech jobs starts in schools, and Harper College is leading the charge. Harper has recognized this need, and to meet it, they have put a referendum on our ballots this election. Supporting this referendum is a real opportunity to better train skilled workers and support innovation right in our back yard.
Voting "yes" will enable Harper to renovate facilities, improve its course offerings and equip future workers for opportunities in technology, manufacturing, business, healthcare and education.
Coming together as a community to pass this referendum will benefit our community and businesses for years to come.
Greg Brown, chairman and CEO, Motorola Solutions
Barrington