INDUSTRY NEEDS SKILLED AND SEMI-SKILLED WORKERS

JACKSON -- The availability of skilled and semi-skilled workers and the dependability of those workers are the biggest concerns of industry and manufacturers in the area, according to results of a survey by the Jackson Chamber of Commerce.

Results of the survey conducted by the chamber's Industrial Relations Committee were outlined at Monday night's general membership meeting.

Of the 52 companies that responded to the survey, 30 said they felt the chamber should concentrate on increasing the availability of skilled workers and 28 said they felt the availability of semi-skilled workers needed the highest priority, said John M. Thompson, chairman of the industrial Relations Committee.

"It's an eye-opener for us," Thompson said. "We don't have to concentrate on infrastructure for industry."

What committee members did hear from survey respondents, he said, is that educators at all levels need to re-gear their programs to meet the needs of industry.

"They are not answering the call of business and industry in terms of providing the skilled, semi-skilled or even in some ways, the unskilled workers," Thompson said.

Other issues respondents said the chamber should prioritize include local economic and job creation.

As far as traits employers want in their employees, 46 listed the work ethic "a day's work for a day's pay," Thompson said -- as very important. Reliability and honesty were voted very important by 42 and 41 respondents, respectively.

Employee skills and knowledge came in second on respondents' wish list.

The survey showed 33 ranked the ability to listen and respond effectively very important while 32 ranked the ability to read and interpret information very important.

The ability to make simple math computations was ranked very important by 26 respondents, while only 4 respondents ranked the ability to do complex math computations as very important.

Computer literacy was ranked very important by three respondents and not necessary by 18 respondents.

Thompson said 85 percent of the respondents indicated their work forces would be increasing in the next few years, which is good news for the community.

"Now what (the committee) needs to do is begin creating an action plan, if you will, to address those responses," he said. "It's important to industry that employees be reliable, honest, willing to give an honest day's labor for an honest day's pay. Now what we have to do is go back and brainstorm on that particular topic."

Members of the Industrial Relations Committee will meet the chamber's Education Committee to discuss the survey findings, Thompson said.

Survey respondents also indicated the chamber should pursue programs to facilitate communications between industry and educators and support improved and expanded vocational training programs within local schools to meet industry needs.

Thompson said respondents indicated schools at all levels need to encourage more students to seek technical training for skilled craftsmanship or trade positions.

Respondents also suggested the chamber host a job fair, rather than industrial expo, to help recruit workers.