Last week, a group of educators from seven different school districts took part in the Southeast Missouri Show-Me Careers program, hosted locally by the Missouri Chamber of Business & Industry, Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, SEMO REDi, and the Cape Chamber. Engaging with local business and industry, participants learned more about the regional employers, but businesses also learned more about the role they play in developing our workforce.
The Show-Me Careers experience is focused on connecting area educators more closely with the regional workforce opportunities and helping to share information that can be used to better prepare our future workforce. The educators gained valuable information and connections, but the businesses also had an opportunity to learn how they can help improve outcomes and workforce development in a few ways.
First, accountability runs both ways; businesses mentioned time and again the need for students to be prepared for timeliness and commitment to the job. The businesses learned that it’s critical that they hold their employees accountable and make sure expectations are clearly communicated and employees are held responsible.
Second communication is key; businesses need employees with strong communication skills and the ability to interact with colleagues, clients, and business partners for success. Businesses also learned it's important to communicate opportunity to the new generation of students moving into the workforce to help them stay focused and engaged.
Finally, we are in this together; schools, businesses, families, and individuals must continue to work together to develop the next generation of our workforce and keep business moving. Teachers are doing a great job, but it can’t all be on them.
