Page 17 - LRCC October 2025 Focus

Cover illustration by Tristan Benjamin

Building a Workforce

Ready for Tomorrow

PREPARING NEW HIRES IN "Local companies

GREATER LANSING are eager to hire,

By Liz Reno–Hayes but the skills gap is real."

F PREPAREDNESS GAP: Nearly all hiring managers view entry-level employee who demonstrates problem-
inding the right talent is harder than ever.
solving and communication skills. Financial literacy is
According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce
trade school/technical college graduates (90%) and four-
New Hire Readiness Report (2025), four in
five hiring managers (84%) say most high school year college graduates (89%) with industry-recognized another priority: 96% of managers value new hires who
understand budgeting, credit, and savings.
credentials as prepared. But 84% say most high school
graduates are not prepared to enter the workforce students are not prepared to enter the workforce.
straight out of school. Employers consistently rank Ron Zeiter from Robert Half International states,
critical thinking, communication, and adaptability as GENERATIONAL DECLINE: “Local companies are eager to hire, but the skills gap
the most important skills for entry-level workers, yet 80% believe today’s high school grads are less prepared is real. We consistently hear from employers that
too few young adults leave high school with those compared to previous generations. candidates with industry credentials, internships,
abilities fully developed. and practical financial know-how stand out in the
SKILL PATHWAYS: Hiring managers cite internships (46%), hiring process. When applicants come in with both
The challenge is urgent. Across the country and trade schools (40%), and four-year colleges (37%) as the top technical knowledge and strong communication and
here in the Lansing region, employers are balancing ways for students to gain early-career skills. problem-solving skills, they have a clear edge over the
rapid economic shifts with the demands of a competition.”
new generation of workers. Emerging industries, SOFT SKILLS DRIVE HIRING: 94% are more likely to hire
AI integration, and a global marketplace are entry-level employees who show critical thinking/problem To address this gap, educational institutions are taking
transforming how businesses compete. To stay solving skills, and 90% say the same about effective proactive steps. Sean Williams, Superintendent of Eaton
ahead, our region must strengthen talent pipelines communication. RESA, explains that schools are embedding essential
and ensure that the next generation skills directly into students’ learning experiences, noting
of workers can thrive. HIRING CHALLENGES: Only about two in five say it’s easy that there’s a major push across Mid-Michigan districts
to find candidates with the skills (38%) or experience toward competency-based education—an approach
(37%) they need. that asks, “Can you do it or can’t you?” rather than
focusing solely on traditional grades. “This approach
What Employers Are Saying aligns perfectly with what employers want,” Williams
TOP FINANCIAL LITERACY SKILLS said. “They care less about a student’s grade and more
The Chamber’s report highlights a clear message THAT EMPLOYERS VALUE MOST about what they can actually do. It’s a big shift for K–12
from hiring managers: credentials and real-world education, but by creating these competency-based Health Technology students connect, learn, and
experiences matter. Nearly nine in ten say they are 42% Taxes, net income, and budgeting spaces, we can intentionally develop critical thinking, grow at the HOSA Conference.
more likely to hire a candidate with an industry- communication, and adaptability in students before
recognized credential, and internships rank as the Saving and investing for education, they enter the workforce.” demand career pathways,” Hornak said. “With that in
top way students gain early-career skills. 41% housing, and retirement goals. mind, we have expanded opportunities for students to
David G. Hornak, Ed.D., Superintendent of Holt Public explore real-world careers through a variety of hands-on
Equally important are “soft skills,” which many 39% Borrowing, credit, and debt Schools, echoed this emphasis on readiness, noting the and industry-aligned programs.”
now call “critical skills.” More than 90% of hiring district’s focus on balancing both college and career
managers say they are more likely to hire an 28% Personal saving pathways. “We recognize the importance of preparing
students for both postsecondary education and high-
26% Managing personal risk
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16 16 F O C U S M A G A ZIN | O C T O BE R 2 0 2 5 lansingchamber.org 17 17
FOCUS MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 2025
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