Laserfiche WebLink
V. Conclusion <br />An adequate supply of trained individuals is vital to the economic <br />development mix in each of our geographic planning regions. A number of <br />skills issues have been noted in this limited survey. These issues are <br />sufficient to create concern for employers, workforce training resources <br />and workforce planning agencies, including the local political entities that <br />have responsibilities for planning and quality of life in the community. <br />This study shows the greatest need is within the manufacturing sector, <br />with a few highly specialized needs in healthcare coming in second. <br />Retail Sales and Services along with the Professional Services <br />employers are challenged with a shortage of employees with Customer <br />Service and Sales experience. The employers are aware of their current <br />needs, have a general idea of their future needs, and would like to <br />improve their current situation as it relates to skills shortages. Some <br />employers submitted comments saying they are not able to financially <br />compete for the talent they need due to current economic conditions <br />while a few from rural counties noted not being able to attract young <br />talent for highly skilled jobs due to lack of an accommodating quality of <br />life in their communities. <br />The needs identified in this report support the fact that our local <br />economies are truly global. North Carolina's workforce is becoming <br />more knowledge based, requiring a technically skilled workforce that is <br />committed to lifelong learning. <br />Aside from incentives that employers are using to keep their current <br />skilled workforce, efforts are needed to equip the emerging workforce <br />with the skills to fill the gaps identified in this survey and be prepared to <br />replace the Baby Boomers that will soon retire. <br />is <br />1 -4 Page 295 <br />