Preparing for the jobs of tomorrow
By MARC STEWART
Staff Writer
Augmented intelligence and advances in technology are making employers rethink what they need from their workforce.
North Idaho College is talking with industry leaders in health care, information technology, finance, hospitality and manufacturing to better understand how higher education and career technical education can help meet evolving demands.
The community is invited to the “Future of Work Summit,” which will be held at The Innovation Den, 418 E Lakeside Ave. in Coeur d’Alene, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 18.
“The public can come for an evening of conversation with local business leaders as they share trends and personal insights on the future of work,” said Marie Price, NIC director for Workforce and Community Education. “It’s the brainchild of the workforce center advisory community. We’re seeking input about how to best prepare here in our community for future jobs with rapid changes in industry.”
Price said an example of change would be robots replacing people in manufacturing jobs.
“Those competitive paying jobs are changing,” she said. “We will still need people to program the robots’ software, run diagnostic programs and analyze data.”
There will be a question-and-answer session as well. Panelists include Nick Smoot, Innovation Collective founder; Judd Jones, director of Corporate IT for Hagadone Corp.; Una Alderman, CEO of Northern Idaho Advanced Care Hospital; Mike Holmberger of Katerra Inc.; Ben Holzhauser, financial adviser for Marcheso & Associates; Beth Brubaker, principal of North Idaho Stem Academy; Bretta Provost, former owner of the Resort City Inn; Brad Ward, former president of Empire Unmanned; and Michael Meline, owner of Cyber Self Defense.
This event is free to the public. Refreshments will be provided. The summit is co-sponsored by the Innovation Collective and North Idaho College. RSVP is requested, but not required. Please RSVP at Eventbrite: http://bit.ly/2DMLaVO.
Information: 208-769-3222 or [email protected].