Today’s college graduates are entering the workforce at an extremely opportune time, a period marked by an expected increase in job openings over the next eight years, coupled with businesses needing to recruit trained skilled talent.
This message was delivered Thursday night by Gateway Technical College fall and summer commencement ceremony keynote speaker Tom Buhler, business development director for Butter Buds Inc.
“Traditionally, workers have chased jobs,” Buhler told the graduates. “We’re now in an era when business is chasing talent.”
The ceremony recognized 393 prospective candidates for graduation, and a total of 160 participated in the ceremony. Human Services program graduate Jacquita Hughes of Racine delivered the student response speech for the graduating class.
Coining a term from the Christmas season, Buhler told students he came “bearing great news” about their entry into the workforce. He pointed to state Workforce Department figures indicating there will be 760,000 job openings in Wisconsin from now until 2022 as Baby Boomers retire and business seeks to fill those positions.
He also said a shift in business culture means that once hired, companies will work to retain highly trained employees. “Businesses are working very hard to get the highest quality employees – and then keep them happy so they stick around,” he said.
Hughes, graduate in Gateway’s Human Services program and District Star Ambassador, told graduates to celebrate their accomplishments.
“I say to you: We’re not done yet,” she said. “Keep that passion that you have and further your education. You may already be working in your field of study or contemplating on what to do next. Whatever you do, keep learning.
“Every day is a new day to improve on ourselves, and our only limits are those we give ourselves. Also, it is our responsibility to give back to the community that has invested in our futures.”
The ceremony was held at the Indian Trail High School Auditorium, 6800 60th St., Kenosha.
The commencement ceremony can be viewed on Gateway’s Web site, www.gtc.edu/graduation, beginning in early January. Photos of the ceremony are currently up and can be found at http://goo.gl/Yvthrc.