The public is invited to a meeting titled “Workforce Readiness: What is it? What can we do about it?”

MOSES LAKE — Despite high unemployment in some areas, finding qualified employees is a nationwide problem that needs addressing.

One step toward a solution is by attending Thursday’s public meeting titled “Workforce Readiness: What is it? What can we do about it?”

The meeting is free and preregistration is not required. Members of the Grant Human Resource Association and non-members are invited.

The event will be held tomorrow from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the ATEC Building at Big Bend Community College, located at 7662 Chanute St., NE, Moses Lake.

Key speakers are Carol Melby, program administrator for economic development in workforce education at the State Board for Community and Technical Colleges and Claudia Malone, senior professional in human resources, principal of Malone & Associates.

“This is a bigger problem than our area,” said Jon Smith, of the Adams Grant Human Resource Association and managing director of the Grant County Economic Development Council. “It’s important to get everyone together to work toward solutions. We’re hoping this is a step in that direction.”

The goal of bringing Melby and Malone to Moses Lake is twofold, Smith explained.

He said they want to provide a forum for those concerned about the issue and facing the challenge to meet and listen to the speakers.

They also want to bring more awareness to the issue and let others know they’re not alone.

Melby is very knowledgeable in this area, he said.

Malone speaks about what training programs are available through community colleges.

For more information, contact Smith at 509-764-6579.