Rural communities across the country are facing a unique set of workforce challenges, but there is also good news and promising solutions emerging. As we heard from rural residents, the need for higher-paying jobs is a concern voiced by rural people in the 2023 Survey of Rural Challenges.
The Challenge: Higher Paying Jobs
One of the key workforce challenges in rural areas is the lack of high-paying jobs. Many rural communities have lost industrial jobs and are left with an abundance of lower-wage service sector positions that don’t provide a living wage. As one rural Kansan shared, “$10/hr doesn’t cut it” and people often have to work multiple jobs without benefits just to make ends meet.
The inability to attract skilled workers at pay rates the market can support is a major hurdle. As one community member noted, “We have talented people here, just not enough jobs with good pay and benefits.”
Solutions: Innovative Approaches
However, promising solutions are emerging that rural communities can adopt:
Raise Wages, Raise Prices
One coffee shop in Jefferson, Iowa, was struggling to find baristas. When they raised the pay for baristas to $15 per hour, they immediately received 47 applications from well-qualified candidates. They were able to cover the higher labor costs by raising the price of a fancy coffee by just a quarter.
Leverage Technology
Innovative training methods like augmented and virtual reality can help rural workers gain in-demand skills. For example, a car mechanic can virtually watch an engine being repaired and practice on their own engine at the same time. This allows rural workers to access high-quality training without having to leave their communities.
Additionally, new technologies like drones present opportunities for rural areas that can provide higher-paying jobs. Learn how to fly a drone, get a license, and think of all the opportunities coming: rural deliveries, transport blood, and building virtual and augmented reality for clients, to name a few.
Collaborate for Economic Diversification
Rural communities need to work across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors to diversify their economies. By attracting a range of industries, and entrepreneurs, rural areas can build resilience and provide a wider array of employment options for residents. Supporting your businesses already in town can help them grow and need more employees.
Also look in your community for entrepreneurs already doing business from their homes, garages, and second bedrooms. Brad Martin from Webster City, Iowa created the Wrench That Fits using funds raised on Kickstarter. He now has a growing business and is looking at moving out of his garage.
This strategic approach can help mitigate the risks associated with reliance on a single industry and encourages entrepreneurs to grow their businesses.
A Brighter Future
While the workforce challenges facing rural America are significant, there are reasons to be optimistic. By implementing innovative solutions, investing in training and technology, and fostering cross-sector collaboration, rural communities can build a more prosperous and sustainable future. As one rural community member shared, “Our town has a buzz going on. We’re revitalizing.”
Share your challenges and assets
The Survey of Rural Challenges is open right now until May 31, 2024. Please answer the 10 questions and feel free to share them with other rural folks. The results will be revealed on January 1, 2025, when SaveYour.Town celebrates 10 years of the survey and 10 years of SaveYour.Town being in business!
Resources Available Now:
After decades of struggle, some limited beliefs have taken hold. There are good ideas out there, things that can help address workforce challenges and improve your local economy. Learn how to overcome these limiting beliefs in SaveYour.Town’s Rural Workforce Trends Video.
Idea Friendly Towns will be the most prepared for the future. Learn how to use the Idea Friendly Method in your community.
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