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Published Saturday, September 06, 2008 in Opinion

We have a continuing work force problem

Editorial

Monday is International Literacy Day, a time for communities to recognize the importance of literacy and the contributions of those who support literacy education.

Here in our community there is a strong, coordinated effort to address our literacy needs -- including a push to get adults who do not have a high school diploma enrolled in GED classes.

This local effort includes some strong partners: CLICK (Certified Literate is Coweta's Key), West Central Technical College, the Coweta County School System and the Technical College System of Georgia.

An adult today who does not have a high school diploma or a GED is going to have difficulty finding a job. We're told that 85 percent of local businesses and industry require at least a high school education.

We're also told by CLICK officials that one in three Coweta County residents lack a high school diploma or the English skills necessary to compete in today's highly competitive workplace. That's a gigantic problem for our community. We have a huge segment of our work force not eligible for most of the jobs available. Until we improve the quality of our work force, we will have a tough time recruiting new industry and higher paying jobs.

This problem is not being ignored. Last school year about 400 adults without high school diplomas were enrolled in the local GED classes. More than 100 received the GED. That's progress, but it's not enough. We must do better.

With all the commitment of CLICK, the technical college, the local school system and the state technical college system, there is another big stakeholder in addressing the work force problem. That stakeholder is volunteers.

CLICK recruits volunteers to tutor students, help in adult education classrooms and participate in literacy promotion events. There is always a great need for volunteers. As we recognize International Literacy Day, we encourage Cowetans to become CLICK volunteers. Get involved in helping our community address this lingering work force issue. Call 770-502-8944 to find out how you can help. We need an army of volunteers to answer the call so local adult education programs can be expanded. That's the only way we can help our fellow citizens reach their potential in the workplace.