What’s the
problem?
By Dr. Lisa Raymond
It’s 2019, and one would think, or hope at best, that the job market is actually doing as good as this administration says we are (or should be) doing. While there are tons of jobs available, where are the people?
It seems that I can’t make it one full block without seeing “Help Wanted” signs in store-front windows. For the past year, I’ve made notes on the types of jobs available. I’ve talked to hiring managers as well as business owners, and I can make this brief by saying, EVERYONE is looking for SOMEONE that will just show up; working at this point would be a bonus!
Far beyond a lack of people to work, it seems that a couple of things are happening like clockwork.
So, what’s the problem?
1.
Schools and learning – What is being
taught, and how are they learning?
a.
A lack of education.
Overall, we have failed our youth.
We send kids to school for what we hope would be a top-notch
education. An opportunity to learn
skills that will catapult them into a wonderful career for a better tomorrow;
however, this isn’t happening. It seems
in an attempt to make learning easier; the process has become so daunting that students
fear learning as if failing is an easier choice. Sometimes it’s harder to get
them to go to school, let alone work towards getting the knowledge and skills
that will undoubtedly help them become successful (in any field) when they
leave school.
b.
Standards of learning Regardless if
home schooled or sent to brick and mortar, what has the standard of learning become? Many students get passed for poor behavior rather
than on quality of their work. It appears
that in many school systems, almost everyone passes to meet school standards
rather than what is best for the student.
It is our job to teach them how to apply themselves so that they can survive
and be productive adults. Raising the
standards of what we teach them, or how we teach them to learn, makes them
citizens that can be hired when opportunities arise. Accepting less from those
we teach will not provide anyone with more opportunity.
2.
Technology - As wonderful as technology is, is as
dangerous as it can be.
a.
Laziness.
Is laziness the new standard of cool?
It seems this may be the case for some.
Technology has made it easy to job hunt from the comfort of the couch,
eating chips, and watching The Price Is Right.
Workforce programs have accepted the use of technology as a viable
attempt to “looking” for employment, what a travesty. The art of getting up
bright and early, dressing for success, and going door-to-door with resume in
hand is long forgotten.
b.
Distractions. Oh look, a butterfly! Ok, technology may not cause one to avoid
focusing on something, but it sure does help that process. It’s quite easy to lose oneself in a game or
on Facebook for what seems to be minutes when in actuality hours have passed. This is the greatest time robber of the
moment.
As the owner of an employment agency, many candidates come in hoping to get on-the-job training, when employers are at the very least are looking for possible hires to meet basic requirements such as: Will he/she show up (on time)? Will they work a full shift (not leave after lunch)? Will they be nice to customers and co-workers? And for anyone that can meet these basic needs is almost gold standard for any company.
As educators, we do a disservice to future hiring companies by watering down learning to make them (students) happy. All jobs have basic needs of which I listed above. It is up to us to teach students the importance of showing up and being on time as well as any relevant skills needed to complete the job requirements. It’s time to level up and take learning to new heights!
