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Solar panels on the Rockefeller Center rooftop- bright Phoenix future
Across the nation people are going back to school for training in a new field. If Rodney Dangerfield can do it anybody can.
The recession has hit men (10.6%) worse than women (8.3%) by virtue of the work sectors. Men occupy 87% of the jobs in construction and over 70% in manufacturing the two industries hit hardest by the recession. Sophia Koropeckyj, an economist at Moody’s Economy.com said, “The gap between female and male unemployment has never been as large as it is now.”
Template for success
Saginaw, Michigan was dealing with a 14% unemployment rate in May. A program called “No Worker Left Behind” which is a partnership between their largest employers, the state’s workforce development agencies, and community colleges has been able to put auto workers in new growing fields. Andy Levin whom heads up the program said, “You cannot replace an auto worker’s standard of living without getting new training.”
Fifty somethings skills, ethic
The vast majority of these laid off workers men and women fall into the “Fifty something” bracket. This segment often has experience in mechanical fields; they can demonstrate literacy, mathematical and critical thinking skills- they just need retraining.
In Phoenix we have green companies, emerging sectors like solar, renewable energy and wind turbine design. There’s companies that need disciplined, flexible workers with advanced training and computer skills yesterday. Community Colleges typically can provide the necessary training sometimes cramming two semesters into intensive six-month programs.
You can send out 300 resumes to potential employers without a single response. If you gear up for the field that you desire, one that is growing, with training you could find yourself with two or three jobs to choose from. Your door was shut, should you continue looking for an open window or open the door yourself?
Contact the school of your choice or contact the Maricopa Workforce Connections (sidebar) for further assistance.
Photo AP/Mark Lennihan
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