Garamendi talks up education during stop
Bakersfield Californian 2/13/07
An educated work force gives the United States the ability to compete internationally, he said.
"We're not investing in education. Four, six to 10 years from now, if our work force isn't able to compete, our economy will falter," Garamendi said during a visit to Cal State Bakersfield Monday.
He believes Kern's economic development issues can't be addressed without fully funding higher education and said California State University professors are dramatically underpaid. Salaries are a key component in attracting and retaining faculty.
A professor was impressed by Garamendi's remarks and his interest in faculty issues. Garamendi is a CSU board of trustees member and University of California regent.
John Tarjan said Garamendi seems to be more aware of serious structural problems within the statewide higher education system.
Of the system's trustees, Garamendi is the "most vocal expressing empathy for the problems of the faculty," Tarjan said.
Garamendi's Bakersfield stop was part of a Central Valley listening tour; he's visiting Fresno State today. About 50 people gathered at Cal State Bakersfield to discuss unemployment, economic development and education issues.
"If the valley speaks in unison, the opportunity for resources being great is substantially increased," Garamendi said.
He believes the region's educational institutions' growth and work force development must evolve concurrently.
"If we have the best education system, the jobs will come in," he said, citing the success of both in the Bay Area.
But students face challenges as they move through the community college system. An administrator at Bakersfield College said it would help students who want to transfer to a Cal State University campus if a clearer course numbering system was used.
"If it's confusing to education professionals, it's confusing to students," said Ed Knudson, vice president of student learning.
Knudson noted the percentage of the work force that requires technical-level skills has grown, whereas the numbers requiring baccalaureate-level education have remained the same for many years.
Bakersfield College President Bill Andrews said the average age of automotive technicians in Kern County is 52. "That's a problem," Andrews said.
A member of the Plumbers, Pipefitters and Refrigeration union said there aren't enough people seeking apprenticeships.
"I do not believe there is a strong enough emphasis out there in the industry that promotes people getting into apprenticeships," Henry Avila said.