Our crisis: the declining workforce

Each year, Kansas has many jobs available, and every year, more young Kansans enter the labor force. Yet each year, countless young people leave the state to pursue careers elsewhere. In addition, baby boomers are retiring, which further depletes the workforce.

For students and adults remaining in the Kansas work force, there is a disconnect between career openings, educational preparation, and potential employment. Many students don't know what type of work they would enjoy or what type of education they should be getting. Educators often teach curricula that are not in sync with the needs of employers. Students and adult job seekers lack the tools to navigate educational and placement resources that could help them find meaningful careers.

The problem is not simple, but it is solvable:

• The Kansas Career Pipeline drills down into the state’s educational system as early as middle school, opening doors between students and employers—and facilitating the training pathways that will connect them.
• The Pipeline taps into the state’s existing workforce development systems to identify suitable job candidates for specific career openings, connecting interests and skills with educational programs and career opportunities.
• For the first time in our state’s history, the business community can provide guidance to educators, ensuring a pipeline of future employees who are ready, willing, and able to work.

Click here to connect with the Kansas Career Pipeline.