our readers write

Ashlee Hayes has a job she loves as a software developer and a paycheck larger than what she used to make. That’s due to graduating from Midlands Technical College’s TechHire program which is building a pipeline of IT talent. Ashlee says the TechHire program changed her life. “I thank God every day,” she said. “I was working in a call center before, doing all type of customer service positions, and honestly, it was just a paycheck.” Desite her success story, a skills gap is undermining the Midlands economy. Our state unemployment rate was 3.3% in September. But 6,500 full-time jobs are open in the region, according to the job recruitment website Indeed. We are not producing enough workers with needed skills to fill these jobs. This is especially true in fields such as manufacturing and information, engineering and construction technologies. These have openings in “middle-skill” positions requiring more than a high school diploma but not necessarily a 4-year degree. The state Department of Employment and Workforce says 45% of these jobs require “middle-skills” but only 29% of available workers meet the needs of these positions. At MTC,  we help underemployed or part-time workers, former military veterans, and those seeking new careers complete the education and training needed. Through the TechHire program, MTC is offering scholarships, training, internships, and job opportunities in the IT field. By the time Ashlee finished, she had 3 job offers, works full time and has a profitable future ahead of her. Visit www.Midlandstech.edu to see the 120+ programs that may help you.

Garry Powers, Midlands Tech