Ken Springer cited a recent study on Illinois’ “brain drain” when he spoke before the Knox County Board last Monday.The Knox County Area Partnership for Economic Development President said that according to Stand Children for Illinois half of the jobs in the state are in manufacturing, healthcare and energy but only 12 percent of high school are signing for classes in these subjects.
“And this points to a problem that there is a lack of interest on the part of our youth for getting into these industries that are actually employing people in Illinois,” Springer says.
In light of tackling that issue, Springer says KCAP has partnered with a “number of different entities” in the community.
The fruits of some of those partnerships will be seen today at Galesburg and Knoxville high schools with manufacturing showcases.
Regional manufacturing employers will be on hand with interactive displays so students can have a “hands-on” experience and possibly get a glimpse of a career with plenty of local and region-wide employment opportunities.
The showcase will be at GHS at 10 a.m. and over to KHS by the early afternoon.
