Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce is answering an important question regarding the future of the workforce: Are students prepared for the workforce?
In a recent report, the organization noted that the Wisconsin Employer Survey indicates that over half of Wisconsin employers say the state’s K-12 education system does not adequately prepare students for the workforce.
It was also noted that while hiring is on the rise, 60% of Wisconsin businesses surveyed reported having trouble finding workers, with the top obstacle being the lack of skilled applicants.
In fact, 64 percent of employers indicated their employees struggle with reading, math, or both.
Many companies also reported having to resort to providing remedial education or tutoring for employees because their K-12 education did not prepare them with adequate reading or math skills.
WMC Associate Vice President of Government Relations & Senior Political Advisor Rachel Ver Velde noted, “As taxpayers, we’re investing more and more into public education, but the return on investment just isn’t there. Our education system isn’t equipping Wisconsin students for Wisconsin jobs, and employers are understandably frustrated.”
Visit WMC.org to see what else was noted in the report.
