Nilson Warns Of Worker Shortage

Businessmen Ron Nilson (pictured), owner of Ground Force Manufacturing in Post Falls, and Doug Sayer, president of Premier Technologies in Pocatello, teamed up Tuesday to deliver some fiery and, at times, confrontational messages to lawmakers. … The two men, both self-made business owners who began in entry-level positions and eventually rose to the top, offered grave forecasts for the education and employment future in Idaho. The men called on lawmakers to integrate professional technical skills at every level of education to develop a more educated and capable workforce, an asset which both men believe is in short supply in the state right now. Sayer said production and manufacturing companies are facing an “Armageddon” situation if the state doesn’t work to correct imbalances in the workforce/ Dustin Hurst , Idaho Reporter. More here .

• Higher ed faculty salaries under examination /Brad Iverson-Long, Idaho Reporter
• Jorgenson: Idaho should take steps to capture taxes on Internet sales /Betsy Russell, Eye On Boise
• BSU prez Kustra: We don’t call them tricks /Betsy Russell, Eye On Boise

Question: Should Idaho try to integrate professional technical skills at every level of education, as advocated by businessmen Ron Nilson and Doug Sayer?