Skills Needed in the New Economy

Change seems to be the new norm. Four organizations jointly surveyed over 400 employers across the United States to identify the skills needed to succeed in the workplace. When asked to rank skills in terms of their importance in the workplace, employers put professionalism, teamwork, oral communication, and ethical and social responsibility at the top of the list. Respondents were then asked to project changes in necessary skills over the next five years. The findings reflect anticipated changes in the economy in the near-term future:

1. Foreign Language
2. Critical Thinking, Creativity and Innovation
3. Health and Wellness

Source: Society for Human Resource Managers, August 2007

Exports continue to grow as new and developing countries around the world find a need for U.S. products, technology and expertise. As one of the top 20 states for exporting, Wisconsin industries exported $17 billion in 2006, nearly doubling the $9 billion earned over the previous decade.

"Technology requires and makes it possible for each business to market its strengths throughout the world, leveraging technology and entrepreneurship to its greatest advantage," stated Bobbi Laine, Dean of General Education.

Moraine Park is introducing an international business series to help companies expand internally and grow their business.

Developing and retaining a competitive workforce with the skills necessary to compete in today's global economy requires an ongoing investment in training and development. As part of a continued commitment to workforce and economic development, the Wisconsin Technical College System is again awarding Workforce Advancement Training Grants for the 2009 fiscal year, which begins July 1, 2008.

The grants are designed to support business and industry needs through increased investment in workforce training and development initiatives. Resources help to expand technical college training services and prepare workers with the skills necessary to compete in the twenty-first century.

Grants will be awarded to upgrade the skills and productivity of employees of established, for- profit businesses operating in Wisconsin, with the broader objective of supporting regional workforce and economic development efforts. New this year, a portion of grant dollars have been reserved for small businesses, specifically those businesses with fewer than 100 employees or less than $10 million dollars in annual revenue. For specific questions and guidelines about grant opportunities, call 920- 924-3449 or e-mail training@morainepark.edu.

Now there's a simple way for you to stay connected to the latest training and development opportunities from Moraine Park. Visit the Business and Industry section of morainepark.edu and click on Upcoming Events or click below to begin exploring.

Manufacturing Symposium: Leveraging Lean Through Automation will be held on May 7, 2008. Watch your mail for further details.

Fond du Lac Job Fair and the Regional Manufacturing Job Fair will be held on May 6, 2008. For more information, click the link below.

Exploring Starting Your Own Business is a FREE information session for entreprenuers. Inidividuals who are interested in starting their own business or are interested in expanding current operations should attend. The session is scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, January 23, at Moraine Park's Fond du Lac campus. During this free session, participants will explore key factors in starting a business and learn how to determine if they have a feasible idea for a business venture. Information will be shared about Entrepreneurship Training Program funding and how to receive funding assistance for E- Seed, a 15-week entrepreneurship training series.

According to Lori Thiel, owner of Open Road Harley in Fond du Lac and a former E-Seed participant, "The E-Seed program gives a realistic approach to getting into your own business while aiding you with useful tools to become successful. I found the program beneficial for two reasons - you learn by preparing a thorough strategic business plan and by being able to interact with quality resources who are credible business owners."