Workforce education and training in southwest Kansas: Perceptions of the CEOs of businesses, industries, professional services and governmental agencies

The purpose of the study was to examine the personal qualities, values, education, and skill levels of the current workforce in the southwest quadrant of Kansas, as perceived by the CEOs of businesses, industries, professional service organizations, and governmental agencies, who are active members of the Dodge City, Garden City, and Liberal, Kansas, Chambers of Commerce. Of primary importance was to focus upon the education and skill levels needed by current and future employees of business, industry, professional service organizations, and governmental agencies to qualify for employment. Of secondary importance was to identify opportunities for community colleges and universities to fulfill the educational and training needs of these businesses and organizations.; Surveys were sent to the CEOs, who were current and active members of the Dodge City, Garden City, and Liberal, Kansas, Chambers of Commerce. The CEOs were utilized because they reflect the views of organizations that are generally more progressive and would be cognizant of the importance of employee education and training. Comparisons were made with the survey data collected from Dodge City, Garden City, and Liberal, Kansas, between the major categories of Beef, Business and Industry, and Professional Services. Comparisons were also made between cities concerning the three major categories.; The greatest number of the CEOs who participated in the survey rated their employees' “personal qualities” as “above average”. However, the greatest number of the participating CEOs rated their employees' “skill levels” as “average” or “below average”, indicating that the CEOs believe that this is an area in need of improvement. Education levels of the current employee workforce revealed that less than 50% have graduated from high school and only 14.5% have a college degree.; Community colleges and universities should collaborate with businesses, industries, professional services, and governmental agencies in the southwest quadrant of Kansas, and assist them in educating and training their workforce to achieve higher skill levels. By working together and establishing long-term relationships with the community organizations, educational institutions have the opportunity to continually enhance education and training. Community colleges in the southwest quadrant of Kansas have an important role in the region's economic development and should be the leading advocate for workforce education and training.