Skills2Compete-New Mexico releases new report.

New Mexico’s Economic Recovery Tied to Preparing Workers for Jobs Requiring More than High School Diploma, Less Than a Four-Year Degree

In what will play a major role in New Mexico’s economic recovery, more than 328,000 “middle-skill” job openings—those that require more than a high school diploma, but less than a four-year degree—are projected for New Mexico by 2016, concludes a new study released by National Skills Coalition. But to unleash the full economic benefits of these openings, New Mexico will need to continue to invest in proper training and education for its workforce.

Though the recession has halted current employment growth, the report projects that middle-skill jobs (including new jobs and replacement) would account for 40 percent of all openings between 2006 and 2016.

Despite New Mexico’s strong investments in post-secondary education and workforce training, preparation for middle-skill jobs has not kept up with demand. Prior to the national recession, New Mexico was already experiencing shortages of middle-skill workers in crucial industries. About 49 percent of all jobs are classified as middle skill but only 45 percent of New Mexico workers likely have the credentials to fill them. As New Mexico, along the rest of the country, moves from recession into recovery, employers will likely once again face the challenge of finding quality middle- and high-skill workers – slowing the pace of economic growth.

New Mexcio joins ten other states with initiatives aligned with National Skills Coalition’s national Skills2Compete campaign.