WESTBROOK, Maine - A new report out today aims to deal with the so-called "skills gap" in Maine's workforce. The report is part of a series called "Making Maine Work."
This one, according to Christopher Quinn, president of Kaplan University in Maine, uncovered a disconnect between educators and business people. Quinn told reporters that 72 percent of higher education officials believe graduates have the necessary skills, but only 42 percent of employers do.
"Cianbro wants welders who can weld, but they want welders who can solve problems in real time," Quinn said. "Maine Med wants nurses who can deliver world-class patient care, but, at the same time, be able to write and document what they have delivered."
Ryan Neale, of the Maine Development Foundation, says one existing program, the "Next Step Maine Employers Initiative," helps employers find ways for their employees to gain additional skills. Neale says those skills often pay off in higher worker productivity.
The report was put out by the Maine Chamber of Commerce and the Maine Development Foundation.
