Over 20 local business workers from the Great Bend area sat in on a luncheon Wednesday afternoon at the Great Bend Chamber of Commerce to hear about a survey to determine what is the “skills gap” in the Kansas workforce.

Great Bend was chosen as one of several communities to participate in the online survey that hopes to make the Kansas economy grow and prepare students for successful careers.

Nick Jordan is a former Kansas Senator, Secretary of Commerce, and Secretary of Revenue. He is now helping with the KU School of Business to put together the survey.

Nick Jordan Audio

Jordan made a short presentation to the Great Bend businessmen and businesswomen before an open discussion on what the Great Bend workforce needs. Community members identified technology, personal finance, construction companies, management and communication skills, and real-world experience as a student as the keys in Great Bend’s economic growth.

Jordan urged the business owners and workers of Great Bend to fill out the survey at kansasskillsgap.org.

Nick Jordan Audio

Along with the KU School of Business, the Kansas State Department of Education and the Kansas Chamber are coming together to build the survey. Jordan noted the survey is also designed to build better communication between education and employers so schools can better equip students.