Training Unskilled Workers

Many skilled labor jobs (skilled machinists, electricians, welders or mechanics) are going unfilled today due to the fact that there aren’t enough workers who have the training needed to take on these well-paying and much-needed positions.

As a result, more and more companies throughout the country, as well as in the Inland Empire, are taking it upon themselves to train unskilled workers in the skills employers need.

In fact, the San Bernardino County Workforce Investment Board and the Manufacturers’ Council of the Inland Empire have teamed together to help train workers in skills that will help fill positions that currently go begging.

The Council helps develop customized training programs that are funded through the Workforce Investment Act.

Such training is critical according to a June 2011 article in the High Desert Business Journal, which quoted California Steel Industries’ human resources manager, who said, ”’[i]t is very difficult to find skilled craft workers. We invest in classes at local colleges and provide on-the-job mentoring and training to develop talent among our current employees, in addition to paying their wages….We are grateful that the County of San Bernardino supports our effort by funding key vocational education to develop skilled employees to fill critical needs.’”

How critical are these needs? The HR manager quoted above said it would take him a year to fill four job openings for mechanics and four for electricians through “recruiting alone,” even with so many people out of work in Riverside and San Bernardino counties. The reason? There aren’t enough people in the Inland Empire with the skills he needs.

According to the chairman of the Manufacturers’ Council, “’[t]he younger generation of workers is not getting the basic foundational skills that can prepare them to become skilled craft workers, These programs help take entry level associates and develop them into skilled maintenance technicians and electricians.’”

Speaking of training, many staffing services such as Arrow Staffing take it upon themselves to train employees in different skills – all at no extra charge to an employer! If you’d like to learn more about how we can help your Riverside or San Bernardino company, contact us today!

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