Lori Blaker Joins Distinguished Panel for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce "Listening Tour"
Lori Blaker, President/CEO of TTi Global, a workforce development company, joined a distinguished group of panelists as part of roundtable discussion for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Listening Tour. During the discussion, Blaker urged the panel to focus on the development of skilled trades and make those jobs appeal to millennials.
ROCHESTER HILLS, Mich., April 24, 2017 (Newswire.com) - When a roundtable discussion was held at the Shinola Factory in Detroit on April 11th, economic growth and workforce talent were at the forefront of the discussion.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce selected Detroit as one of several urban communities chosen to host its nationwide Listening Tour. The tour’s purpose is to create a national dialogue, starting at the local level to identify key components for growth and success. Lori Blaker, President/CEO of TTi Global, was joined by other business owners, elected officials, policy leaders and local and state chambers. The event addressed the projected labor shortage in Michigan and examined related topics such as talent retention and skilled trades.
"I can hire a body shop technician repairing aluminum vehicle frames, and they can make $100,000 a year. What marketing major do you know that could come out of MSU and make $100,000 out of the gate?"
Lori Blaker, President/CEO TTi Global
“There is a significant lack of skilled trade workers here in the state. It’s difficult for our customers to expand,” says Lori Blaker. “We’re not attracting young people into the industry. We’re not making it sexy.” Blaker encouraged the panel to focus on developing skilled trades. “I can hire a body shop technician repairing aluminum vehicle frames, and they can make $100,000 a year. What marketing major do you know that could come out of MSU and make $100,000 out of the gate?”
Blaker’s assessment was spot on; according to the Michigan Bureau of Labor Market Information & Strategic Initiatives, there will be a need for fifteen thousand new skilled trade workers in the next decade.
About the U.S. Chamber of Commerce
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business organization, representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions. Visit the U.S. Chamber of Commerce at https://www.uschamber.com/.
About TTi Global
TTi Global provides staffing, learning, research and consulting solutions to industries across various sectors, with automotive as a core focus. TTi Global oversees operations on five continents with offices spanning the globe, including Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, India, Japan, Mexico, Peru, South Africa, Thailand, Venezuela, UK and Afghanistan.
With over 2,000 employees in international operations, they offer a wide range of services, tailor-made to drive business goals, including business consulting, research, staffing, workforce.
Source: TTi Global