Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1170726
F a l l 2 0 1 9 • S T U F F 1 9 STUFFMadeInN H .com Unemployment numbers have been low in recent times – good news for job hunters – but of course not everyone is qualified for every job. In New Hampshire, a significant gap exists between what employers need, and what job seekers know how to do. Due at least in part to retiring Baby Boomers and technological advances, the shortage of qualified workers has reached crisis proportions at certain companies. When jobs go unfilled, it puts a dent in productivity and harms the state's overall economy. And obviously, job seekers who can't find work because they're underqualified can run into financial trouble. "The lack of a skilled workforce in New Hampshire has become a very big topic, a big issue that we need to deal with, [and] that we should have dealt with 30 years ago," said Zenagui Brahim, president of the New Hampshire Manufacturing Extension Partnership (NH MEP). Fortunately, the state is brimming with workforce development opportunities to help employees gain the skills they need to fill the available jobs. Efforts to build the future pipeline of manufacturing employees include scholarships, mentoring, internships, and chances for high school students to visit manufacturers. NH MEP, the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, The New Hampshire Coalition for Business and Education, community colleges, high schools, and other organizations work to New Hampshire wants more of its workers with technical degrees and certificates, and is creating shortcuts to get them By Karen A. Jamrog TJ Hubbard (left) participates in a learning and training program at Milford manufacturing company Hitchiner, Inc. Zenagui Brahim, president, New Hampshire Manufacturing Extension Partnership