Today, the U.S. House Committee on Education and the Workforce, chaired by Rep. John Kline (R-MN), held its third field hearing to examine the important role of higher education and workforce training in the nation’s economy. The hearing was held at Columbia State Community College in Tennessee’s Fourth Congressional District, represented by Congressman Scott DesJarlais. Witnesses testified about the education and workforce needs in local communities, and the ability of higher education to successfully prepare individuals to join the workforce.

“A range of unpopular Washington initiatives enacted during the last Congress contributed to an atmosphere of uncertainty for business owners, causing many to shrink their workforce or curb plans for expansion,” said Chairman Kline.  “As a result, it has become even more important to ensure young adults have the tools necessary to stand out in this competitive job market.”

“The district is blessed with many colleges and universities that are partnering with local businesses in an effort to produce workers that meet the needs of the private sector,” said Rep. Scott DesJarlais. “We must continue to encourage these sorts of partnerships.” Rep. DesJarlais continued, “One of my top priorities in Congress is to ensure that our young people and non-traditional students have access to an affordable and internationally competitive education.”

Highlights from today’s hearing include –

Dr. Janet Smith, President, Columbia State Community College:  “We believe that community colleges are central to providing the diverse educational opportunities needed to meet the growing and ever changing job demands and needs. Columbia State is linked to the workforce needs of its service area through representation on various workforce boards, chambers of commerce, local government and civic organizations which inform college representatives of area education and training needs.  These linkages foster communication and information necessary for community and workforce development throughout the region.”

Dr. Ted Brown, President, Martin-Methodist College: “I want to make the assertion that our private or independent institutions—especially those like my institution that are enrollment driven—are at least as important to workforce development because we are closer to the market.  We have to be—our livelihood depends upon it.  Of course, I am not suggesting that this is some sort of competition because the truth is the more we cooperate together the stronger our employment situation in the United States and in our region will be.”

James Coakley, President, Nashville Auto-Diesel College: “The dedication by our career services department has produced excellent results in getting our students into the workforce no matter whether it is in Tennessee or elsewhere in the United States.  As a result of their commitment, over 75% of our 2010 graduates have already initiated their careers in the diesel, automotive or collision repair industries.”

The Honorable Dean Dickey, Mayor, City of Columbia, TN: “We no longer have the luxury of training for a career with the expectations that the training will serve us a lifetime and provide adequately for our future. We no longer can remain comfortable in the belief that current businesses and industries in our area will remain viable into the future. Our future depends upon our ability to renew ourselves and retrain ourselves.”

Susan Marlow, Chief Executive Officer, Smart Data Strategies: “We urge the Committee to take a comprehensive look at geospatial workforce development. This growing and critically important profession can contribute immensely to the quality of life and economic well being of the nation for decades to come. As we transition to a knowledge-based economy, geospatial data will become the underpinning for billions of dollars in commerce, as well as efficiency in the delivery of government programs.”

Jan McKeel, Executive Director, South Central Tennessee Workforce Alliance: “I can, however, sincerely share with you that training and education, workforce success, and personal income are positively correlated. Economic landscapes will periodically change, and the strength of individual sectors will come and go. Yet the strength of our communities, especially in more rural settings, will remain correlated to our ability to attract, retain, and grow jobs.”

To read testimony and view related documents from the Columbia, Tennessee field hearing, visit www.edworkforce.house.gov/hearings.

To read an op-ed by Chairman Kline and Rep. DesJarlais published in the Columbia Daily Herald, please click here.