Guest Article: Can't Find Talent?

Written by, Michelle Knierim of EDSI

The struggle to find talent is especially a challenge in Michigan.  This is because of the high number of technical and skilled trade’s jobs available.  To address some of the issues in finding qualified skilled workers, businesses are turning to three key solutions. These solutions provide ways for businesses to build customized programs that speak directly to the training needs of their current and newly hired workers. 

Here are three key solutions to grow your own talent:

1.      Customized Training

2.      Apprenticeship Programs

3.      On-the-Job Training

1.      Customized training are developed based on the specific needs of your organization, keeping in mind the unique requirements of employees.  For a successful implementation, there needs to be a proven process that utilizes a system that surveys individual skills and identifies the skill needs of employers.  One of the main goals is to minimize the time and cost needed to identify and bridge the skill and knowledge gaps within an organization.  By incorporating your company's processes and procedures into the training, it will increase employee satisfaction, reduce turnover, and improve your overall efficiency and productivity. 

2.      Apprenticeship programs are 1-6 year instructional programs designed to develop highly-skilled employees. These programs consist of both on-the-job training under the supervision of a journey level craftsperson or trade professional and academic instruction. If you want to have a registered apprenticeship there are a few requirements that must be met before it is approved by a union and the Department of Labor.  Often, organizations partner with companies who provide technical expertise and turnkey development, administration and management services for the entire apprenticeship.  Organizations also work with companies and educators to validate existing curriculum and develop new curriculum in order to meet the requirements of the program and national training standards. 

3.      On-the-Job Training, also known as OJT, involves the teaching of skills, knowledge and competencies needed to perform a specific job at a workplace. Utilizing an employer’s existing workplace tools, equipment, processes and documentation, the employee is able to gain the skills and knowledge to effectively and efficiently perform his or her job.  There are many organizations that have funds available to offset this cost including local workforce development boards.  For example, companies that utilize On-the-Job Training and candidates from workforce development boards are often reimbursed for up to 50% of an employee’s salary.

All of these programs offer great solutions to organizations looking to upskill their current employee’s skills, or to provide specialized training to get new employees or potential hires up to speed quickly.  There are currently a lot of different local government funds available for companies to utilize to offset costs associated with hiring talent.  Employers can work with local colleges, workforce development boards, and other organizations that have a training budget, grants or other funds available. 

Educational Data Systems, Inc. (EDSI), 313.271.2660, mknierim@edsisolutions.com, www.edsisolutions.com