Why are skilled labor jobs so important?

There is a growing employment gap, especially in New York, between our workers and the jobs available.  Careers focused on technical and vocational skills like plumbing, welding, etc. are growing, while others, especially those relying on 4 year college degrees, are remaining flat or dying.

According to the Center for Economic Growth in Albany…

• In 1956, 60% of jobs were unskilled, 20% skilled and 5% professional.
• In 2005, 5% of jobs were unskilled, 75% skilled and 5% professional.

With more students going to college than ever before, this leaves “middle-skill” level jobs (those earning on average $50,000) with no appropriately qualified candidates.  In an age of 9% unemployment, a mismatch between the candidates and available jobs spells disaster!

So what’s the fix?  A fundamental change of thought in how students approach education.  Yes, it would be great for everyone to get a four year or higher degree, but the need for 3.5 billion MBA students just isn’t there.  However, there is a need for millions of healthcare workers for instance, like RNs and home health aides, the latter of which don’t need a bachelor’s degree for certification (and PS, we’re one of the employers struggling to fill those positions because the candidates aren’t there).

More emphasis needs to given on the benefits a 2 year degree or trade school offer to middle and high school kids.  Not only are students choosing that pathway still receiving a solid education, they’re saving money on college loans, and many times, learning hands-on skills through workshops and externships that aren’t required by all four-year programs, making them more marketable to employers after graduation.

Skilled labor is here to stay, and until this workforce gap is addressed and the importance and benefits of these types of jobs are given the emphasis they deserve, we will continue to face an employment crisis.

Agree?  Disagree?  What are your thoughts on the future of skilled labor?

More Food for Thought:

http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2011/news/economy/1109/gallery.hard_to_fill_jobs/index.html

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/07/05/labor-shortages-tech-mining-natural-resources_n_890734.html

http://money.cnn.com/2011/05/18/news/economy/mike_rowe_dirty_jobs/?section=money_latest

Project to Link Rural New York to Broadband and to Jobs

Broadband to link rural communities to global economy – YNN, Your News Now.

Helping to close the digital divide by providing broadband to rural New York is a great way to further boost the state’s economy, as this report from YNN indicates.  Not only will it help further business ties with Canadian high-tech companies, but it will also aid job searching efforts.

With so many companies hiring and communicating with applicants online, the increased availability of broadband in Upstate New York will provide yet another opportunity to further the state’s recovery.

March unemployment rates for non-metropolitan counties, including Lewis County (one of the first to benefit from this project), have some of the highest unemployment rates in the state.  Lewis came in with 11.1%, Oswego with 11.0% and Jefferson and St. Lawrence with 10.9%.  The statewide average is 8.0% and nationally unemployment is at 9.2%.

More and more companies are utilizing online job boards, such as our own OnlineEmploymentCenter.com and HomecareEmploymentCenter.com to list new openings and accept applications.  Not to mention the increased use of social media like Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn adopted across the board to interact with potential applicants and promote job opportunities.  Broadband will make it easier for job hunters to actively search and market themselves to hiring companies.

As this project continues, the combination of building business relationships and offering better job searching tools has the potential to greatly improve the jobless rate in New York State.  Do you agree?  Are you or someone you know benefiting from this project?  Share your opinions on the latest unemployment rates and broadband effort going on in New York State!

For more information on the issue of the “Digital Divide” check out this article from Mashable’s Blog.