One of the most common topics in today’s discussions about improving education and workforce quality is how to ensure students have the skills they need to obtain gainful employment when they leave school. There is growing pressure on all educational institutions to provide industry-recognized skills and facilitate internship opportunities so students can obtain real-world experience and be ready to enter the workforce as productive employees.

This is a concern whether a student is leaving high school, attending a trade or technical school, or obtaining a bachelor’s or higher degree at a university. Even at the high school level, schools are increasingly offering classes in disciplines such as diesel mechanics, nursing and graphic design.

On the other side, industries are struggling to locate employees who have the skills they need. Even if a company has an internship or apprenticeship available through which it can teach a student required skills, it may not have the connections it needs with an educational institution to fill those positions.

It’s a problem that can’t be solved without action that effectively connects both sides.

The Education & Workforce Committee of the Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce has devoted much of its attention to this topic and is actively working to facilitate a collaboration between industries and educational institutions where these types of connections can be easily made. Within the next 12 months, the committee plans to have an online portal created on the Utah Valley Chamber’s website where industry partners can list potential apprenticeships, internships and employment opportunities.

Conversely, schools and universities will be able to list the types of programs they have available for students that will help educate them in market-driven skills and provide them with real-world experience.

As a place where representatives from businesses and educational institutions meet and connect, the chamber is uniquely situated to act as a central location where this resource can be offered. Businesses will be able to quickly and effectively get the word out regarding employment and training openings while students will be able to easily locate opportunities within their field of study.

It will also provide businesses with an opportunity to “give back” and support the upcoming generation of workers in their industry.

For the chamber, this effort will support its goal to enhance the growth and prosperity of the entire valley. Our area has an exceptionally wide range of educational opportunities available and a growing business sector; bringing them together to build a skilled workforce will benefit all.

Brian Epperson is chair of the Utah Valley Chamber of Commerce Education & Workforce Committee and chief executive officer of Target River.

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