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June 2007 — Vol. 85, No. 5

FROM THE PRESIDENT

Keeping and attracting
young workers


By John R. Rathgeber

CBIA President and CEO

 

Making Connecticut more attractive to young adults has become a very important issue affecting our economic competitiveness. The state’s population of 25- to -34-year-olds shrank 30% between 1990 and 2004 — the worst growth rate in the nation for that age group. That has alarming implications for our workforce, overall economic activity and quality of life.

Connecticut policy-makers have to address a series of issues to attract and keep more young adults here and assure that we have a competitive workforce in the coming years. They need to make sure that:

  • Our young people have access to quality education, from preschool through higher education. We can’t have a competitive workforce if large numbers of young people lack the knowledge and skills to succeed in careers and 21st-century life.

  • There are links to careers through internships with Connecticut companies. That will help young people gain skills needed by employers and allow them to establish connections with potential employers here.

  • Affordable housing is available. That will require dispelling some of the myths that now exist about housing for families — for instance, the mistaken belief that restricting “family” housing will keep property taxes down.

  • We have communities that young adults find interesting. Connecticut communities need to offer young people more networking and social opportunities.

  • Improve our transportation infrastructure so it’s easier for people to get from their homes to work, shopping, entertainment and other destinations.

While the aging of the population is a demographic problem affecting the whole country and even some other parts of the world, Connecticut can take steps to increase the number of young adults here.