NC employer survey reveals skills gaps.

A new survey of North Carolina businesses reveals that despite continued high unemployment in the state, employers in that state are struggling to find skilled workers to fill current job openings. “Closing the Gap, 2012 Skills Survey of North Carolina Employers,” which was released today by the state’s Association of Workforce Development Boards, reinforces other findings about workforce skills shortages at the state and national level, and underscores the importance of continued investments in workforce development strategies to maintain U.S. competitiveness.

The survey collected responses from more than 1,100 North Carolina businesses and organizations across a range of key industries, including health care, manufacturing, and professional services. Respondents indicated that skilled trades and customer service/sales skills are the skills in highest demand, with office skills and general maintenance skills also in short supply. The survey also suggests that soft skills, such as communication, problem-solving, and leadership abilities are a significant need across various sectors.

North Carolina’s employers have attempted to address skills shortages through a variety of strategies: more than three-quarters of respondents have developed in-house or on-the-job training programs, and more than half have utilized the state’s community college system.  Respondents indicated that occupational skills training and soft skills training will continue to be priorities for addressing future skills gaps.

Please visit www.agreatworkforce.com to view a summary of the survey results and other related materials.