The training and availability of skilled individuals directly affects the quality of health care provided to residents and visitors throughout West Michigan. Two initiatives within the Alliance for Health umbrella are working to assure the availability of this workforce through collaboration and developing policies and processes that are targeted toward efficiency and effectiveness. These two initiatives are:
The benefits from these two initiatives will accrue not only to area health care organizations and job seekers, but also to the communities they serve. Because stakeholders in the initiatives share the desire to assure a timely supply of qualified health care workers, it is to everyone’s advantage to pool their resources and expertise to find solutions that will help all.
Background
Health care services are an important part of the economic vitality of West Central Michigan, with this sector projected to be the fastest growing employment sector throughout the region. Total health care jobs in West Central Michigan are projected to grow about 15-20% for the ten year period ending in 2016, compared to less than 7% for all jobs. (1) With approximately 79,000 health care jobs, health care generates over $3.8 billion in wages and salaries in the region, plus another $1.4 billion from indirect and induced jobs for more than 41,000 individuals. (2) See Economic Impact of Health Care Jobs in West Michigan.
While it is unclear how the economic slow-down will affect the projected growth numbers, the growth trend in health care jobs is likely to continue well into the future due to:
Where shortages of qualified workers already exist, they will get worse. Where shortages don’t currently exist, they may appear. Although the current economic situation has slowed the demand for health care workers temporarily and the potential changes in the provision and financing of health care will change the health care “system,” the above factors will suggest continuing growth in health care jobs.
Because of this, all stakeholders – health care employers, educational institutions, workforce development boards and Michigan Works! Agencies – recognize that they must work together to draw candidates for the health care workforce from all sources. This includes the traditional K-12 educational system, the Intermediate School District programs, college and university programs, displaced and unemployed adults, adults seeking career changes from another workforce sector and the existing health care workforce. For current employees in the health care workforce, those interested in developing their careers may simply not know how to go about it, how to develop their skills, or have the resources and support do so. Many displaced and unemployed adults may have an aptitude and interest for a health care career, but may need help through assessment and career discovery tools to uncover the “right” choice. In addition, they may need assistance in building their employability or other basic skills, as well as financial support to help them build their skills. Finally, for people seeking career changes from jobs in other sectors to health care, their current skills may make them suitable candidates for education and training to enable them to move into health care careers requiring similar core skills.
