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“Show Me The Money?” We Can!
By Dr. Bryan W. Wilson, President

Over the past several months, our staff has been involved in a strategic planning effort aimed at identifying what kinds of training and new programs the college needs to be addressing now and in the future. We have surveyed local business and employers to assess job demand and anticipated job growth. We were fully aware of the shortages in the health care area and the need for more public school teachers. However, we were shocked to discover the large number of current jobs going unfilled because of a lack of skilled workers. All you hear about in the news media is attention to plant closings and the loss of jobs overseas. The public perception is that opportunities are not available in the local job market. The reality is that the opposite is true. There are countless unfilled vacancies in manufacturing in our county today. Why is this true? The reason is the lack of skills, not opportunity. Skilled positions are going unfilled because of a lack of available applicants with the training, education and experience necessary perform these jobs.

The skills areas where they are having the most difficulty filling are for Welders, Machinists, Electrical/Electronics Technicians and Industrial Maintenance Technicians.

McDowell Technical Community College has offered all of these programs for many years. However, in recent years we have struggled to recruit large numbers of students into these programs. Young people do not seem to be attracted to these type professions. They do not view this type employment as glamorous or fashionable. Most are interested in College Transfer programs aimed at preparing them to go to a 4 year college or they are not interested in an education above high school. They are being advised by their teachers, guidance counselors, and parents that they need a 4 year college degree, despite the fact that over 75% of all jobs in the United States require less that a Bachelor’s Degree. In fact, many of these occupations pay greater than many professions requiring a Bachelor’s Degree. A Welder, Machinist, Electrical/Electronics Technician and/or Maintenance Technician with a one or two year degree will earn several thousand dollars a year more than a 1st year public school teacher and salaries equal to first year nurses. In fact, one local employer indicated to me that after a year or two of employment his company pays in excess of $40,000 a year for these skilled positions. As a public school teacher you would need 10 to 15 years experience to earn this kind of salary.

The main factor hurting manufacturing, obviously, is the focus upon plant closings, loss of jobs, downsizing, etc. Myself and college staff have personally been involved in assisting employees at virtually every plant closing or major layoff that has occurred in our community in the past 20 years. I have personally gotten to know hundreds, even thousands, of individuals who have lost their jobs due to closings or downsizing. Of all the individuals that we have attempted to help find new jobs or enroll in training programs, we rarely have helped a Welder, Machinist, Electrical/Electronics Technician or Maintenance Technician. Why? They haven’t needed our help. They always seemed to have other jobs lined up prior to the closing of their plant or the loss of their job. The reason is that their job security is not in their respective company but in the skills they possess. If you have these type skills you need not worry about job security. Some company out there is looking for you if you possess these types of skills. In fact, local manufacturers are competing for these skilled employees, offering high salaries to entice them away from their current employer.

As a community college, we have an awesome responsibility. As mentioned previously, over 75% of all jobs in the United States require less than a Bachelor’s Degree. However, the vast majority require training above a high school education. How do we convince young people to finish their high school education? How do we convince young people that they need training beyond high school? How do we direct more young people into skills areas rather than pursuing a 4 year degree that does not necessarily prepare them for the job market?

The answer lies in changing the public’s perception. The answer lies in making the public aware of the reality. The fact is that there are many good paying jobs available in our community, if you have the education and skills necessary to be in demand. Individuals willing to work with their hands are becoming scarce. If this trend continues, one day you will see these types of technical positions commanding higher and higher salaries.

If you or your child wants to learn more about any of these careers, stop by our Student Services Office any day. Your wallet will thank you for years to come.