Earlier this week, The Plain Dealer published a report on possible ways Northeast Ohio could reform its K-12 education system to better meet the state’s workforce needs and fill existing jobs. The report — which was part of the newspaper’s “Pathways to Prosperity” series to examine European education models that have been successful in helping close the skills gap — offered key recommendations from business and academic professionals. The suggestions included:

• Start as early as middle school to motivate students with visions of a meaningful career.
• Make the experience count. High schoolers are ready to do demanding work, especially from internships to apprenticeships.
• Fit training to in-demand jobs. Teach specific occupational skills, as well as general academic skills.
• Include soft skills, such as collegiality and dependability.
• Consider students’ finances. Early training gives students valuable skills before graduating from high school. That helps them earn a living wage upon graduation, instead of piling up more training costs.
• Keep the pathway open for adult workers.

The story notes that there are “exemplary local programs” already in existence, such as Cleveland’s Early College Early Career program, which offers high school students paid internships with manufacturers and tuition-free community college classes. 6/10/2019