How can Washington colleges do a better job of educating students for the workforce?

From left to right: Cal Christensen, Wagstaff Manufacturing; John Gardner, former Washington State University business liaison; Rich Cummins, Columbia Basin College;  Dan Butler, The Riverpoint Academy; and Domenic Giandomenico, ICW.

A panel of education and business representatives discussed that question Wednesday during a forum hosted by the AWB Institute and the Institute for a Competitive Workforce (ICW), a nonprofit arm of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The panelists included Domenic Giandomenico, ICW; Dan Butler, The Riverpoint Academy; Rich Cummins, Columbia Basin College; John Gardner, former Washington State University business liaison; and Cal Christensen, Wagstaff Manufacturing. 

The panelists focused on an ICW report that gave mixed results to Washington’s postsecondary education system. Earl Hale, the former executive director of the Washington State Board for Community & Technical Colleges, led the discussion.

One of the questions focused on preparing students for college. One idea was starting with the basics, in particular math skills. Another panelist said there’s not enough emphasis placed on taking the correct classes in high school. This is where business leaders can help parents understand what classes students need to be taking in order to be successful in college and the workplace.

“Businesses have the power to help with this,” said Gardner. “Schools need to work with businesses and tap this resource in order have success among students.”

Columbia Basin College’s Rich Cummins said we need to figure out how to get more students further and faster to certificates and degrees so they can enter the workforce and be productive. Students don’t necessarily have to be focusing on four-year degrees either. Getting an associate’s degree or going to a trade school might be a better path for some students. This is why it’s so important for students early on in their academic career to find out what their passion is for and what it takes to achieve it.  

AWB president Don Brunell closed the panel talking about how successful programs such as Business Week can really make a difference for students.

“Workforce training is very important and it starts with these key business partnerships,” said Brunell. “Businesses need to focus their efforts on education to help produce a viable workforce.”