From staff reports

With local construction companies always on the lookout for new workers, and with hundreds of Farmland workers looking for new employment, a new initiative involving Workforce Development, Inc.

Thursday, January 17, 2002

With local construction companies always on the lookout for new workers, and with hundreds of Farmland workers looking for new employment, a new initiative involving Workforce Development, Inc. and Riverland Community College is a natural fit for the needs of the community.

For many former Farmland employees, as it is with most people who lose their jobs, the biggest barrier to reemployment is a lack of experience in other fields. The reality is that many of the workers spent all or most of their careers at the plant and were not prepared for the job market. Providing training for new jobs is a crucial part of getting the displaced workers back on their feet.

With the outlook dim for a quick decision on whether Farmland will return, it’s clear now more than ever that few if any workers will be able to wait for news from the company. Unemployment insurance is running out for some workers already, and even if an announcement is made soon, construction of a new plant could take 18 months.

Workers are participating in the first heavy construction class at Riverland now, and are getting out to job sites to learn their skills. A second class is planned in February – this time with translators available.

Creator Brian Vairma, the Workforce Center and Riverland deserve credit for a good idea and for having the ability to make it reality.