KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The latest jobs report shows robust hiring and an unemployment rate that continues to drop toward record lows. But analysts are cautioning that there is still a huge skills gap in the labor force for everything from mechanics to I.T specialists to healthcare workers, and many more.
Kalamazoo is completely revamping how it goes about Career and Technical education to plug those gaps as it begins construction this summer on a new $100-million dollar training center.
Eric Stewart at K-RESA says they will be focusing on career fields with good incomes and openings and training that is cutting edge.
Stewart says the new CTE Center is a huge gift, but like the Kalamazoo Promise, it will only work if students are prepared to seize the opportunity.
He says employers are telling them to not wait until kids are in High School to start preparing them for careers.
Plans are set to break ground this summer on the new facility next to Wings Stadium, with school revamping their curriculum and refocusing their efforts this fall. The new center itself is scheduled to open in 2024.
Watch the video below highlighting the future CTE .
