Marianne Raimondo |
Rhode Island College School of Business dean
Rhode Island’s labor force has been largely stagnant since 2019, limiting our ability to grow our economy. Combined with near full employment, these conditions leave payrolls stagnant and employers unable to add jobs.
Fortunately, we have the ability to grow and prosper by focusing on human capital development. This will require greater partnerships between industry and academic institutions. We can start by expanding opportunities for early work experience in school and after graduation, essential for future job market success.
For example, at the Rhode Island College School of Business we are bolstering our internship program to ensure that every student develops skills [and connections to employers] through experiential learning. We also hold regular forums where professionals from a wide range of business sectors expose students to career options and provide opportunities to network.
Occupational skill development is also key, particularly in growth markets such as health care and information technology. That’s why RIC offers many certificate programs for students and incumbent workers to advance their careers [and salaries].
Tech certificate programs include information technology and cybersecurity; in health care we offer certificates and apprenticeships in behavioral case management and community health. We’re partnering with stakeholders to develop more advancement opportunities, such as apprenticeships for bookkeepers to become accountants and bankers to achieve higher positions in finance, as well as a Labor & Industry Healthcare Workforce Education Center.
These efforts to upskill and invest in workers are vital to growing our economy.