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this report is only a snapshot of what is happening in North Carolina but <br />it is indicative of the issues local employers are facing daily as they <br />attempt to employ the best workers. This document is intended to <br />familiarize the readers with the survey questionnaire, the key findings of <br />the survey, and to provide a template for discussion. A link to a copy of <br />the survey questionnaire is included in Appendix B of this report and a <br />copy of the responses can be accessed at the link included in Appendix <br />C. <br />If the current workforce skills needs identified in this report remain <br />unchecked, they will have an adverse effect on the capacity of economic <br />developers to attract new business and retain existing businesses. In <br />addition, employers who have identified current and future skills needs <br />will not be able to keep pace with the competition. <br />Key Findings <br />• Skill shortages have shifted as the economy and the business <br />sectors undergo change. North Carolina Employers indicate <br />Customer Service /Sales and Skilled Trades as being in short <br />supply followed closely by competency in Office Skills and <br />General Maintenance. <br />• Communication and Interpersonal Skills represents a primary <br />gap in workplace soft skills. Critical and Analytical Thinking and <br />Problem Solving were also frequently indicated. <br />• Businesses indicated that improved Soft Skills /Personal <br />Effectiveness training would be of most value in the future <br />followed closely by Occupational Skills training. <br />• Businesses are more often relying on In House Training <br />resources to deliver training. The local Community College and <br />Seminars are also being used frequently as training resources. <br />• Employers say there is a strong need for standardized work <br />readiness skills training and certification. <br />• Word of Mouth remains the preferred method of recruiting new <br />employees but social networking is becoming a popular tool. <br />• Job applicants are frequently rejected due to lack of Relevant <br />Work Experience followed by issues with Criminal Records or <br />Drug Screening issues. <br />3 <br />1 -4 Page 283 <br />