Greg Harris on Workforce and Economic Development

Randall, Oakley, asked: Arguably, every one of Cincinnati's troubles can be traced to a core economic distress of disappearing manufacturing jobs. Any ideas? If this is a problem beyond your control, which is likely, how about any ideas on mitigating the damage?

Great question, Randall. No, this issue is not beyond our control. Through investment in human capital, we can transform Cincinnati's (and Ohio's) economy.

We live in an era when a skilled workforce is the single greatest correlate to economic growth for cities. As someone who makes his living in public policy and serves on the Governor’s Workforce Policy Board, I work with State public-private leadership to connect low-skilled workers to education and training programs that lead to good jobs. My day job as a Public Policy Officer at KnowledgeWorks Foundation is focused on workforce/economic development, especially bolstering educational opportunity for Ohio’s 1.2 million low wage workers. Many of these people are casualties of loss manufacturing jobs, including 25,000 loss manufacturing jobs in Cincinnati since 2000.

When elected to Council, I will apply my expertise to connecting unemployed or underemployed Cincinnatians to educational opportunities. This will include looking at ways to ensure Cincinnati effectively taps its share of over $400 million in available State education and training funds and applies these resources to funding vocational and certification opportunities for recipients of public assistance, low-skilled and/or or low-wage workers. We have the potential to work with education and training providers to develop fast track certification programs throughout Cincinnati that in only a few weeks time can help adult learners get certified in trades and occupations where there are major skills gaps in the region (healthcare, construction, advanced manufacturing, etc.).

This strategy should include brokering partnerships between education providers such as Cincinnati’s Great Oaks, the largest career and technical center the country, and community and economic justice organizations that can serve as conduits to at-risk students and the working poor.

Investment in apprenticeship, education and training programs can equip Cincinnatians with the skills needed to remain gainfully employed and enjoy a middle-class life, while also helping employers fill their job needs.

Thanks for the question,

Greg Harris
http://www.votegregharris.com/