The State Chamber of Oklahoma is teaming up with state authorities leaders to deal with Oklahoma’s workforce points. Chamber analysis exhibits workforce points are the primary concern of enterprise homeowners in our state. Clearer pathways are wanted for Oklahomans to get the training and coaching wanted to fill the 40,000 jobs at present accessible, and in flip, develop our state’s economic system.
On Wednesday, at a press convention on the Oklahoma History Center, non-public sector and authorities leaders rolled out a plan to remodel Oklahoma’s workforce operations. With Executive Order 2023-02 from Gov. Kevin Stitt, the Workforce Transformation Task Force has been established. It’s made up of personal sector leaders and public officers charged with figuring out methods to align funding to targets and financial wants.
SB 621, if handed, creates the Oklahoma Workforce Commission, a brand new fee made up of personal sector enterprise leaders who will direct the state’s workforce growth technique lengthy-time period and administer and oversee funding allotted by the legislature for workforce growth initiatives.
The two initiatives work hand in hand to interrupt down silos and restrict duplication within the present workforce pipeline, in the end resulting in extra direct and environment friendly completion of training pathways. That means extra expert employees for state companies and higher paying careers for Oklahomans.
“I want Oklahoma to be the most business-friendly state in the nation, and for Oklahoma to keep up with the jobs of tomorrow, we have to reimagine our approach to workforce,” stated Gov. Stitt. “I’m eager to see the bold vision cast by the Workforce Transformation Taskforce.”
“Many state agencies and individuals touch workforce development, but nobody owns workforce. This is a great opportunity for the business community, the governor’s office and the state legislature to come together to transform workforce. We have a significant workforce problem and there is a significant effort in progress to fix it,” stated Chad Warmington, Task Force co-chair and president/CEO of The State Chamber.
“Workforce is a critical element of economic development and without a strong system and talent pipeline in place to provide the workforce needed, Oklahoma can‘t reach its full potential, “ said Secretary of Commerce and Workforce Development, Chad Mariska. “However, with an optimized workforce system, Oklahoma can set itself on a trajectory to achieve historic economic prosperity.”
“Senate Bill 621 seeks to provide answers to workforce issues. It will work with business leaders in the private sector, with education leader and with government leaders to ensure that Adam Pugh as a senator, Brian Hill as a representative, Kevin Stitt as a governor are not the ones growing the economy. It will make sure that we’re giving Oklahoma companies all the tools you need to grow the economy,” stated Sen. Adam Pugh, (R) Edmond.
“Today to be able to stand here knowing that our governor is leading the way, and with all of these industry leaders, knowing that we as Oklahomans have acknowledged our workforce issue and that good is not good enough,” stated Rep. Brian Hill, (R) Mustang. “The days before when ‘Oklahoma is OK,’ we’ve moved past that. Because of industry leaders in this room, were taking the next steps for the next generation to succeed.”
“It’s really exciting times for Oklahoma when it comes to workforce development,” stated Ben Lepak, Executive Director of The State Chamber Research Foundation. “This is a challenge in every state. Oklahoma’s business community is coming up with solutions to address workforce problems, and I’m proud to see our governor and legislature stepping up to the plate as well.”
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