It's time to get technical! People with technical skills, from mechanics to welders to machinists, may be in short supply.
In its annual survey of U.S. employers, Manpower found that once again, jobs requiring specialized skills and experience are difficult to fill. The 2009 10 Hardest Jobs to Fill List looks like this:
- Engineers
- Nurses
- Skilled/Manual Trades
- Teachers
- Sales Representatives
- Technicians
- Drivers
- IT Staff
- Laborers
- Machinist/Machine Operators
Employers and labor market analysts anticipate that the strong demand for what are traditionally hands-on jobs will continue into the foreseeable future. That's because the U.S. is experiencing what experts call a perfect storm in which trends related to demographics and skills deficits are converging.
Starting with demographics, the overall U.S. population is aging. As the nation's 76 million Baby Boomers (those born between 1946 and 1964) leave the workforce, not enough younger people are choosing careers that involve technical skills.
Regarding skills, employers require job-specific skills (such as welders and electricians). But, they also demand soft skills, like problem solving and communications, plus a strong work ethic and culture traits that fit their company. Employers note that soft skills, work ethic and culture traits aren't always present in today's job candidates.
How can employers - and individuals - win in this contemporary world of work?
Progressive employers are looking at short-term and long-term strategies. For the short-term, they are encouraging their current workforce to re-skill and up-skill to stay abreast of changing technologies - and a competitive, global marketplace. These employers are also looking to bring a diverse pool of people into the workforce, including youth, mature workers, women, people of color and people with disabilities. Attracting and keeping this diverse workforce means providing flexibility in work hours and benefits as well as developing a workplace environment that fosters respect among people with different backgrounds.
For the long-term, these employers are developing close partnerships with schools to make sure young people are getting the technical skills, as well as the soft skills, they need for 21st century jobs. They're opening their doors to internships, job-shadowing and, where appropriate, apprenticeships. All of these are meaningful activities that can give young people a true taste of workplace requirements and help prepare them for employment.
Individuals can get a leg up in today's talent race by keeping their skills up to date and perhaps switching careers. As demonstrated by recent research, careers requiring specialized technical skills, such as machinist, electrician and carpenter, are in demand and can be lucrative. Consider taking extra training at work or going back to school.
The contemporary world of work is a challenging place, but employers and individuals who pay attention and take action will be the winners.
About Manpower (of Las Vegas)
Manpower (of Las Vegas) is a leader in the employment services industry; creating and delivering services that enable its clients to win in the changing world of work. The company offers employers a range of services for the entire employment and business cycle including permanent, temporary and contract recruitment; employee assessment and selection; training; outplacement; outsourcing and consulting. The focus of Manpower's work is on raising productivity through improved quality, efficiency and cost-reduction across their total workforce, enabling clients to concentrate on their core business activities. Manpower Inc. operates under five brands: Manpower, Manpower Professional, Elan, Jefferson Wells and Right Management. More information on Manpower is available at www.us.manpower.com and www.manpowerlv.com.
