Anyone ‘not’ looking to hire the best talent? In today’s job market employers are challenged are looking to the professionals for staffing solutions. We are hearing from our clients that they need help filling critical positions – they’ve exhausted their resources and when positions become available it is hard to find the talent who are the right fit. Of course, out of challenges comes opportunity, but we are all in the same boat.
A Randstad study of some 2,800 manufacturing and logistics professional provides insights on the current state of the skills gap. More than half of companies surveyed acknowledge the skills gap, and nearly just as many report that the shortage of qualified talent has negatively affected their business.
When asked, “Is there a skills shortage?” 61 percent of respondents in all industries answered yes.
How is the Skills Gap Affecting Manufacturing Firms?
Retiring workers take their skills and knowledge with them creating a void best filled by well-trained employees who can effectively step into new roles with minimal ramp-up time required. Well-trained, high-performing employees provide employers with a tangible competitive advantage, which is critical for those who operations depend upon a workforce with hands-on experience.
Which Are the Hardest Jobs to Fill?
“Among U.S. employers surveyed 40 percent report difficulty filling positions,” ASA Staffing Magazine says. This survey included 37,000 employers in 42 countries found that 36 percent of global employers are having difficulty finding candidates with the right skills to fill open positions.
One in every four employers is exploring new talent sources and almost half of the employers that are addressing talent shortages are going to alternative solutions like creating training and development or apprentice programs. Research has indicated for the fifth consecutive year skilled trade positions are the most difficult jobs to fill.
In the U.S. the job openings that are hardest to fill are for skilled trade positions, restaurant and hotel staff, sales representatives, teachers, drivers, accounting and finance staff, laborers, information technology, engineers and nurses.
It looks like the demand for talent is hitting record highs for Labor Ready’s peak season in Central Oregon and it’s predicted that 30 million jobs need to be filled by 2022. Opportunity is knocking!
K.C. Kelly | Branch Manager | TrueBlue, Inc. | Labor Ready
755 NE 3rd Street #A, Bend
541-318-7340
