Tech Directions - November 2007 - (Page 8)

future in manufacturing.” The truth is, he said, manufacturing jobs may be less susceptible to outsourcing than jobs requiring higher education such as computer programming. Wessel also pointed out that local workforce projections are better indicators for those seeking work than national estimates. The longrange projections of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, for example, missed the almost total switch to self-service gas stations and the dwindling need for cable installers. Perhaps the most important message from all of these analysts and experts is that more education is a good thing but no guarantee to either individuals or society that it alone will bring about economic stability and growth. Better knowledge of local labor markets and of global job mobility need to be part of decision making. Moreover, one needs to ask: Is college-ready really just a proxy for innovative thinking? If so, what are the implications for both academic and career/technical curriculum and instruction? Job Quality Concerns One group that has tackled describing how to assure job quality is the Washington, DC-based Center for Law and Social Policy (CLASP). Too many people are stuck in bad jobs, it contends in a new paper for its Opportunity at Work Series, but some employers offer high-quality jobs despite globalization and competition. They are economically successful “because of their strong employment practices and investments in their workers, not in spite of them.” While good wages are essential, they are not enough to increase people’s incomes if the conditions of work make it difficult to stay employed consistently. In addition to wages and earnings, CLASP defines job quality as including benefits, job security, advancement opportunities, health and safety, and fairness and worker voice. While no guarantee of quality jobs, the definition provides a framework for the incentives that public policy should create. A survey of the labor market shows that good jobs, especially those accessible to workers without advanced educational credentials, are concentrated in certain industries and occupations. It would be wise to target economic development incentives, job training, and placement activities in those sectors. But because of the realities of the economy, manufacturing may not be as important in the future. It is important to recognize, CLASP notes, that “there is no inherent reason that building a car has to be a better job than taking care of a child.” Seventy years ago, most manufacturing jobs were low pay, unstable, and dangerous, but “regulation and unionization transformed them into the building blocks for the tremendous growth of the middle class.” CLASP calls for a minimum set of government standards so that companies trying to do the right thing for workers are not undercut by those that don’t care. In many cases, existing laws need to be better enforced. Healthy companies that provide quality jobs are models for others, and government should provide information sharing, training, and technical support to help companies make the transition to high-road practices. It may take time for public policy to adopt job quality practices. In the meantime, some other policies could help. When public money provides incentives to business investments, it would be appropriate “to consider the impacts on job quality and to selectively support employers who provide high-quality jobs.” Tools would include living wage laws or community benefit agreements. Government also can train on the specifics of job quality. A framework of job quality also would be a way to unify the many individuals and organizations that already are working on aspects of job quality such as passing livingwage ordinances, enforcing existing labor standards, developing sectoral strategies, and promoting familyfriendly workplaces. (“Opportunity at Work: Improving Job Quality,” CLASP; contact the author, Elizabeth Lower-Basch at elowerbasch@clasp.org.) 8 techdirections ◆ NOVEMBER 2007 http://www.devry2.com/energize1_techdir http://www.devry2.com/energize1_techdir

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Tech Directions - November 2007 Technically Speaking Contents Direct from Washington The News Report Technology’s Past Technology Today Mastering Computers Video Game Programmers Learn to “Pitch” Project Teaches Students to Diagnose an Ailing Windows OS See the Math with Your Binoculars! Fire Safety Technician ACTE Convention and Career Tech Expo Hands-On Activities More than Fun

Tech Directions - November 2007

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