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Two
possible solutions for America’s expected workers shortage
Don Schmitz/Human Resource Staffing
Newspapers
are filled with articles about companies outsourcing more
and more high paid technical positions to other countries.
The Star Tribune, on November 13th wrote “Target is outsourcing
over 300 technical jobs to India by the end of 2007.” Meanwhile
Supervalu is creating a new company called “Supervalu Services
India” where they hope to create a few hundred positions within
a few years. Last week, I called my software support number
and received more than six hours of support from someone in
Asia.
It’s very concerning to all Americans that leading companies
must turn to other countries in order to fill their need for
qualified technical talent.
Victor Nichols, from Supervalu, stated to the Star Tribune,
“The number of computer science graduates in the US has decreased
by about a third in the last four years.”
Two possible solutions
1.
Some time next year, Ford Motor Company will be closing their
plant in St. Paul, MN. This week, more than 70% of the 1700
workers accepted a buyout agreement of which some of the money
was earmarked for education. The average age of the workers
is forty-years-old. Many of these workers will not find comparable
pay without being retrained.
Possible solution
Ford and other large companies who are downsizing could provide
unlimited free training for anyone seeking jobs in the area
of computer science and math, in addition to their severance
package, in return for returning to work for a minimum period
of time after their training is complete. What would happen?
Would Ford create new and ‘better ideas’ for tomorrow’s cars?
2. Boomers are expected to retire in record
numbers over the next fifteen years creating additional shortages
in other areas. Particular shortages are expected in the following
areas; the military, the US Postal System, teaching and agriculture
to name but a few. Are we going to outsource these positions
as well?
Possible Solution
A ‘Boomer Bill’, similar to the GI Bill, would provide free
education for Boomers, at the age of 55, to go back to school
and retrain for areas of expected shortage. In addition to
receiving full social security and health insurance they would
agree to work to the age of 70 (if physically possible). Would
this help solve our expected shortages? Would the ‘Boomer
Bill’ help create new jobs for America?
These ideas are meant to get us all thinking
instead of waiting for tomorrow’s issues to be solved by someone
else. I welcome your thoughts and additions. Send your thoughts
to
Don@HumanResourceStaffingInc.com
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Reproduction
of this article cannot be accomplished without the expressed
consent of Human Resource Staffing. Don Schmitz is a popular
speaker and writer on all aspects of HR and CEO of Human Resource
Staffing. Don holds graduate degrees in Education, Administration
and Human Development.
Contact Don@HumanResourceStaffingInc.com
952 854 6040
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