Survey to address Valley workforce needs for growth

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN) – The Regional Chamber and Youngstown Area Goodwill Industries have teamed up to assess the local workforce with a survey that could find certain needs and address them.

Census data has revealed three big problems in the Mahoning and Shenango Valleys. Fewer people are working, they have less education and more live in poverty compared to the state and national averages.

Census and Department of Labor data also shows that education ended with a high school diploma for 37.8% of 25-64-year-olds in the five-county area. Statewide, that number is 30.1% and 25.1% nationwide.

The Valley’s poverty rate also outpaces state and national numbers and the annual average salary is $12,733 lower than elsewhere in Ohio, and $21,302 lower than the rest of the U.S.

“And trying to figure out how we can overcome any barriers that are keeping them from employment and trying to get them back into the workforce,” said Brenda Linert, with the Regional Chamber’s Government Affairs and Community Impact.

It could be transportation, childcare, elder care, even language barriers which need improving. Goodwill wanted to be involved, as it was assessing its role across the valley.

“We found a win-win here that we’re going to get information that’s going to help us with our programming and our future goals and strategic initiatives, as well as helping the community at large,” said Shelley Murray, interim CEO of Youngstown Area Goodwill.

The information gained from the assessment will lead to discussion about meaningful change through action plans. That will help grow the local workforce and strengthen the Youngstown/Warren/and Mercer Areas.

“And so we seek to provide programs and opportunities and initiatives to help remove those barriers. So that they can enter the workforce,” Murray said.

The Regional Chamber has expressed a desire to grow the population and expand the workforce. It can’t do that just by bringing in people from outside the area. It has to attract workers and keep the best talent here. That way, the Valley wins.

“You know, we can see into the future that there’s going to be a lot of new growth. But if we can’t staff those companies, then nobody wins,” Linert said.

You can take the survey and provide your input online.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.