As we are all aware, the jobless rate hasn’t dropped much in the last year. Hiring is happening, but piecemeal, and for specific talents. So, one way to set your target is to watch industrial/business news about what positions have been difficult to fill.
An article in the SHRM Magazine, June 2010, highlights a projected severe shortage in workers for the utilities industries. According to the article, electric power industry companies estimate that 30-40% of its 400,000 workers will be eligible for retirement in the next two years. These positions range from executive level to skilled craft workers and may create a huge demand for people to fill these slots.
HR folks in all utilities have been aware of this issue for years, but there has been a lack of future workforce planning to make sure the right people are available to meet the need.
One company in this industry, Southern Co. built a statistical model that highlighted particular hot spots..technicians, system operators, control system engineers, water and wastewater operators and operations management. So – hiring ahead is part of the plan.
There is, however, a problem finding qualified replacements for the industry– inadequate training and education of workers. Companies are even willing to train on the job but the candidate needs to be science-savvy and a high school graduate.
Another industry that will need (and does now) more skilled workers is the healthcare world. There are not enough trained nurses and techs to fill the needs now. One nursing educator in southern California said most of her students were preparing for a second career. The healthcare insurance industry will also be adding folks as more of the population obtains formal insurance coverage.
Job seekers need to check business/hiring surveys put out by local departments of labor or professional organizations. Educational institutions will also have hiring and salary information for the area. Then, get the tools you need to fill the jobs there are.
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