The Biggest Staff Shortages - Where are They?

Posted by in Career Advice


Job recovery is happening, just not happening at the pace we may like. For many people who are out of work, those jobs couldn't come soon enough. However, I was surprised to find out that there are still staff shortages in several industries. These companies are not able to find enough qualified applicants to fill their openings and are actively trying to recruit new talent.
 
Sound too good to be true? I thought so too, but according to an article at FoxNews, there are many industries that are having trouble finding people who have the skills they need. Some of the jobs require specific qualifications, some require degrees and others only require previous work experience. According to the article, here are the areas with the top four biggest staff shortages:
 
Skilled Trades: There is a shortage of electricians, plumbers, welders and other skilled tradespeople. Trade schools are often guilty of not teaching the skills that employers need, creating a shortage of new people entering the field. Some of that can be attributed to the new push for college immediately after high school. Not everyone is college material but there is sometimes a stigma to choosing a trade school over a traditional college. These jobs are in demand and will most likely remain that way for the foreseeable future.
 
Engineers: This is a field that has been in demand for a long time. Employers are looking for engineers that also have specialized training in specific industries. There is a clear need for environmental, industrial and civil engineers. In order to qualify for this career, you'd need an advanced degree along with specialized training, depending on the industry.
 
Sales: There is a shortage of salespeople who have specific industry experience. As the economy makes a slow recovery, it becomes more important for struggling businesses to invest more heavily in sales staff. Manufacturing sales is a perfect example of an industry that is desperate for new staff. Some of these sales jobs require a degree, while others only require previous sales experience and a willingness to work hard.
 
Information Technology: IT is a growing field and shows no sign of slowing down. Now, more than ever before, companies are relying on their computer networks to get work done. As employees begin bringing in mobile devices, network security becomes even more crucial. The biggest demand is for people who have experience working with cloud computing. Another challenge facing employers who are having trouble finding qualified staff is that often, the best candidates live in large cities and the employers aren't willing to pay for relocation costs. 
 
Even with the current tight job market, there are still careers that are in demand. If you have the skills, or are willing to continue your education, these fields could be right for you.
 
Image courtesy of xedos4 / freedigitalphotos.net
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  • Melissa Kennedy
    Melissa Kennedy
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    tui xach g
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  • Melissa Kennedy
    Melissa Kennedy
    Thanks so much!
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    hier k
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