Donnelly: ‘Laser Focus’ Needed to Battle Skills Gap

Senator Joe Donnelly says Indiana businesses must continue to “step up” and help make sure the work force is properly trained in order to bridge the skills gap. In a Studio(i) interview, he cites Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Indiana Inc. in Princeton starting its own training school and Jasper Engine & Transmission Exchange partnering with Vincennes University as examples of how companies can take the lead. Donnelly says he also supports Governor Mike Pence's call to increase vocational training in high schools.

Donnelly believes there is a “very true” skills gap throughout the state. He says he has seen billboards in northwest Indiana for steel manufacturer ArcelorMittal offering $90,000 per year for maintenance technician workers with proper training.

The Democrat also believes Indiana can benefit from proposed federal measures including the America Works Act and Skills Gap Strategy Act. Donnelly says, as manufacturing jobs return to the United States, the measures would make sure training dollars go to the areas where jobs are available.

Earlier this month, Donnelly met with representatives from the Indiana Skills2Compete Coalition. The group of legislative, education and business leaders spoke with the senator about efforts to provide research and data to help match the skills of Indiana's work force with the needs of employers.

Sources: Office of U.S. Senator Joe Donnelly, Inside INdiana Business