Rotochopper
SPECIAL FOCUS: JOBS CENTRAL
THE SKILLS GAP Business and education are coming together in Central Minnesota to address a growing worker shortage. By Kelti Lorence
o matter your profession or industry, chances are you’ve heard this common concern in the last few years: “We can’t find enough qualified employees to fill our job openings.” Or this complaint: “There isn’t enough interest in our job openings.”
The speed of technological advancements has both boosted and shattered the way we prepare and view employees. Employers are aware of the growing gap in teen exposure and knowledge of current jobs and industries and are seeking ways to connect with school staff and parents before
BY THE NUMBERS
Hiring Difficulties in Manufacturing In 2018, manufacturing firms struggled to fill 62 percent of skilled production job vacancies.
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Seventy percent of these vacancies required only a high school diploma.
BusinessCentral Magazine.com // J A N U A R Y/ F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 0
Sixteen percent of job vacancies were exclusively due to a lack of skills, experience or credentials in candidates.
Central Minnesota struggled to fill 94 percent of job vacancies, 31 percent higher than any other region in the state.
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