Penny-wise and Workforce Foolish?

Great blog and the topic is on point. Too often, especially in tough economic times, as you mentioned, managers cut their noses off despite their faces by slashing training and workforce development budgets. I've seen this tragedy in all areas of business and these decisions have even impacted our local law enforcement community. Workforce development has a key role in the survival of organizations.

Again, great topic and thanks for posting.

Kim

Workforce education or development isn't a bottom line item and therefore low, very low, on the priority list of most shortsighted executives. It has been since the 1970's. Manufacturing in this country will soon be non-existent as little emphasis is placed on trades requiring skilled employees. Most, if not all, high volume production work has already gone offshore. Our automotive industry and ALL of the smaller companies that contribute to the parts source for the automakers may soon be a thing of the past. Why you ask? Just look at your own kids. More emphasis is placed on a music education, a computer graphics art course or a medical related field. There is equivelent money in these industries, the learning cycle isn't as long or complex and you don't have to get your hands dirty. Europe was the last holdout for engineering and toolmakers apprentice programs. I don't even known if that is still true. What will make a difference are those that control the manufacturing businesses so quickly disappearing. An emphasis on the most valuable commodity a company can have, it's skilled employees. It is they who are slowly disappearing, like the Buffalo.