Higher Education Should Link Workforce Development to Economic Needs

The issue of the talent gap and tighter labor markets is already upon us in some sectors, but if you ask the faculty in most universities if their primary purpose is to create work-ready individuals, the answer would still most likely be “no.”

Instead, for most universities, workforce development activities have been an add-on necessitated by external drivers as well as the potential of new enrollments and revenues in an environment of ever-tightening budget allocations.

The nature of work is changing and preparation to be a part of, and remain a part of, the workforce in this environment is also changing. More job opportunities require post-secondary education and degrees (and beyond) in the future, and college and lifelong learning do, and will, contribute to increased lifetime earnings.

By Bilita Mattes, D.Ed.

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