Crain’s Cleveland - October 15, 2022 05:00 AM

Talent shortage needs no introduction, as everyone reading this piece is, at minimum, aware of and is likely dealing with the unprecedented labor market challenges of 2022. At the same time a recent report published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that youth unemployment is still relatively high at 8%. And for African American youth, it is a staggering 15.9%. Meanwhile, Northeast Ohio is at a critical junction in our history as many opportunities are converging (e.g., new dynamic leadership throughout our community and a collective response to the pandemic highlighting Cleveland’s strengths).

The time is right for Cleveland to seize this unique moment in our history and truly generate a workforce pipeline that can be the engine of our economic growth for decades to come.

The solution is simple and has to do with long-term return on investment. If employers take the time to invest in the youth and young adult workforce, there is a win-win scenario. Employers can expose youth to actual opportunities and control the message about their industry. This is particularly important for industries like manufacturing, construction trades and information technology as youth typically do not have much exposure to these careers. Meanwhile, youth learn valuable skills, keep engaged and motivated and can test drive options for their future.

Community initiatives like the Greater Cleveland Career Consortium and Cleveland Metropolitan School District’s Planning and Career Exploration (PACE) program make it easier than ever for employers to engage with youth. These projects provide forums for employers to offer industry tours, job-shadow experience, or guest speaking engagements – all of which can be quite impactful to teenagers. And as capacity allows, hiring high school youth as workers and interns, especially over the summer, can have a very powerful effect. A study by Case Western Reserve University showed that summer employment leads to 6% higher school attendance, 12% better high school graduation rates and more than 30% less involvement with the justice system.

These activities take time and energy. However, we wonder what the alternative choice may be. The business community needs to invest time now and have a proactive role in preparing tomorrow’s workforce. The return on investment is a skilled and educated workforce ready to drive Cleveland’s economy for the rest of the 21st century.

Invigorating the workforce with young talent

Throughout Northeast Ohio and beyond, workforce development groups, community partners and employers alike recognize the value of offering opportunities that engage young people in the workforce, including in high-demand industries such as health care, IT and manufacturing.

In these experiences, young people learn the importance of earning their own money while acquiring valuable skills such as communication, teamwork and accountability. Below are some initiatives that highlight the value of youth employment.

YOUTH EMPLOYMENT IN THE U.S.
About 55.3% of young people ages 16 to 24 were employed in July 2022. This rate was up from 54.4% in July 2021, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The July 2022 figure is still below a 56.2% rate in July 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic. July typically is the summertime peak in youth employment.

HOT SPOTS
While most summer youth employment programs are subsidized in the public and nonprofit sectors, private sector job placements are also a key pipeline for workforce development among young people, according to Brookings. New research shows that youth in private sector job placements see a positive impact on their academic performance, according to a July 18, 2022, Brookings report titled “How private sector summer employment programs are expanding benefits for young people.”

MAKING AN IMPACT
Employers play a key role in creating jobs for young workers. Companies and industries who partner with Jobs for Ohio’s Graduates, for example, can participate in engagement opportunities such as mentoring, job shadowing, internships, hosting presentations and leadership in an annual career development and leadership development conference. JOG has served more than 30,000 at-risk youth since 1987.

A HUB OF CONNECTIVITY
The Greater Cleveland Career Consortium connects employers and industry groups with youth-centered organizations, including kindergarten through 12th-grade schools and higher education institutions, philanthropic entities and nonprofit partners. The consortium aims to work together to link students with high-growth, family sustaining jobs while building a diversified Northeast Ohio workforce.

FORWARD MOMENTUM
Creating income and workforce parity is a key component of the sustainable workforce development equation. Towards Employment has developed a Policy Action Plan that will focus on four key action areas between 2022 and 2025:

Promoting proactive, data-informed strategies to remove career advancement barriers for people of color.
Support policies and investments that favor equitable skill building and career advancement.
Decrease the number of barriers that prevent employment for individuals with previous involvement in the criminal justice system.
Advocate for holistic workforce programs that build engagement, retention and advancement in the workforce.

SOURCES: Brookings, Jobs for Ohio’s Graduates, Towards Employment, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Youth Opportunities Unlimited
Compiled by Kathy Ames Carr, Crain’s Content Studio-Cleveland

Original Crain's Article