Governor's council release work skills recommendations

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- A group appointed by Governor Brad Henry releases recommendations on how to ensure Oklahoma's work force has the skills to meet the needs of existing businesses and companies

Thursday, April 21st 2005, 6:00 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) -- A group appointed by Governor Brad Henry releases recommendations on how to ensure Oklahoma's work force has the skills to meet the needs of existing businesses and companies considering located in the state.

Among other things, the Governor's Council for Workforce and Economic Development says the state should conduct research to identify areas where new employment skills are needed and develop an education system that focuses on high-priority, high-demand jobs.

Council members said Wednesday they want the development of an assessment system that certifies skill levels of prospective employees to help them and the state market themselves to business prospects.

Council chairman Steve Hendrickson is director of strategic planning and communications at Boeing Company in Tulsa.

Hendrickson said the aerospace industry in Oklahoma has a demand for skilled employees, and the availability of such workers is a critical factor in determining where companies decide to locate a plant or expand an existing one.