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By Dave Paul 

Reversing work shortage: an opportunity

 

February 1, 2023

Here in the 10th District and throughout the state, we face challenges that affect all our families, including:

• A shortage of housing.

• Lack of access to healthcare.

• Businesses who can't find skilled workers.

The last point is key: a shortage of workers. That is the common thread to each of those problems.

We can't make significant progress on improving ferry reliability, housing affordability, healthcare outcomes or the economy without addressing shortages of workers in those fields.

Ferries can't run without trained deckhands, pilots and mechanics.

New housing won't get built without carpenters, plumbers and electricians.

Families won't get the healthcare they need without more nurses, doctors and therapists.

It is tough to fix this problem by hiring skilled workers from other states – because those states also face the same workforce shortages.

That means our best options for tackling this worker shortage start here in Washington state.

Part of the solution is giving the students of today the skills they need for these high-demand, high-pay jobs.

It is why I'm introducing legislation to expand dual-credit options, so more students have workforce training opportunities and access to higher education while still in high school.

I'm also working with lawmakers from both sides of the aisle to give every student in our public schools a pathway to the advanced skills they need for a high-paying job after graduation. That is not always a four-year degree.

Throughout our economy, we need skilled workers with a credential between a high school degree and a bachelor's degree. Nurses, carpenters, IT specialists, welders and hundreds of other high-demand jobs fit into this category.

It is time to end the myth that every high school student must earn a four-year degree to start a career. Many jobs need some in-between credentials.

Putting more of our students on this career path would not only help fix the worker shortage in critical industries – it would dramatically change the lives of these students, giving them access to careers with great salaries and benefits.

We need to increase collaboration between K-12 educators, apprenticeship programs, community and technical colleges and employers – and do a much better job helping K-12 students learn what their career options are.

I'm working with legislators, educators and industry partners to create regional partnerships that do just that.

Another part of the solution is to cut red tape that is preventing people from entering certain professions or recently retired professionals from returning to work.

For example, I'm working on making it easier to earn or renew a commercial driver's license without compromising safety.

This is not a partisan issue. Democrats and Republicans both know that worker shortages are a huge problem for our families and businesses in every corner of Washington state.

We know which industries and professions are facing the worst workforce issues.

We know which ideas and reforms can help create opportunity for students and workers while closing the gap.

And we know this issue will not get solved on its own.

I believe we can listen to each other and work together to pass reforms that give every student, family and business the chance to succeed.

 

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