The Economy

Better Skills-Training System Needed, Senator Concludes

Aug. 17, 2011

McCaskill: Missouri's training system is a "void" for many manufacturers.

After a week of meetings with Missouri manufacturers, Sen. Claire McCaskill concluded that the state needs a better system for providing employment-skills training.

The Democrat embarked on what she called a "manufacturing jobs tour" last week, visiting with local businesses in St. Louis, Perryville, Jackson and other cities.

At the end of the week, McCaskill concluded that the state's network of skills-training programs is a "void" for many Missouri manufacturers.

"We need to look at our training and placement programs to figure out what is working and what we can improve," McCaskill said in a news release.

McCaskill on Friday praised the St. Louis Agency on Training & Employment (SLATE), asserting in a news release that "duplicative" federal programs need to be eliminated "so that that organizations like SLATE have the flexibility to be effective and can use their time to serve the community, not filling out dozens of pages of grants applications at numerous agencies."

McCaskill said she plans to continue meeting with Missouri manufacturers and to relay their input to the U.S. Senate this fall.

About the Author

Josh Cable | Former Senior Editor

Former Senior Editor Josh Cable covered innovation issues -- including trends and best practices in R&D, process improvement and product development. He also reported on the best practices of the most successful companies and executives in the world of transportation manufacturing, which encompasses the aerospace, automotive, rail and shipbuilding sectors.

Josh also led the IndustryWeek Manufacturing Hall of Fame, IW’s annual tribute to the most influential executives and thought leaders in U.S. manufacturing history.

Before joining IndustryWeek, Josh was the editor-in-chief of Penton Media’s Government Product News and Government Procurement. He also was an award-winning beat reporter for several small newspapers in Northeast Ohio.

Josh received his BFA in creative writing from Bowling Green University, and continued his professional development through course-work at Ohio University and Cuyahoga Community College.

A lifelong resident of the Buckeye State, Josh currently lives in the Tremont neighborhood of Cleveland. When the weather cooperates, you’ll find him riding his bike to work, exercising his green thumb in the backyard or playing ultimate Frisbee.