1. 1 The Southern Essex Regional Labor Market: A Blueprint UMass Boston, Center for Community Development August 2000 Presenter: Christine Shaw, SEWIB

2. 2 Introduction Understanding of the regional labor market. –Supply –Demand –Intermediaries Research using labor and demographic statistics, career ladder models, and existing education and training resources.

3. 3 Labor Market Supply Population grew 2.4% from 1990 – 2000 (Mass. Over all growth was 4.8%) 1998 unemployment was at 3.3% Minority population increasing 82% of individuals 25 years or older obtained a high school diploma (80% State Wide) 26% held a Bachelor’s Degree (27% State Wide)

4. 4 Labor Market Supply Cont. Self-Sufficiency Standard (amount of money working adults need to meet families basic needs) For one adult w/one preschooler it is: 15.42 per hour or $2,715 per month 28% of the households fall below this

5. 5 Labor Market Demand Main source of employment in Southern Essex Region –Health Care –Retail –Manufacturing –Construction –Personnel Supply Service

6. 6 Construction Special Trades Contractors: plumbing, heating and air conditioning (largest single trades group in North Shore), roofing, electrical etc. Both large and small Both union and non-union Project-Specific Work Regulated by licensing requirements Highly Skilled 51% growth from 1992-1998

7. 7 Construction

8. 8

9. 9 Health Care- Hospitals Hospitals are region’s largest and oldest employers Career Ladder Advancement 5,296 employees in the industry in 1998 Private sector health care increasing. Large number of level I and substantial number of level III jobs, gap at level II jobs.

10. 10 Health Care

11. 11 Manufacturing Growing sector in industrial equipment. Production jobs dominate the occupational profile- semi skilled, Decline in the industry 12.4% however still accounts for 5,205 employees in 1998 Best career ladder opportunities (more jobs at level III than level I)

12. 12 Retail Trade: General Merchandise Stores Merchandise stores are the largest sub- sector employer in retail. Fluctuates with the economy Employers experience labor shortages 90% of the jobs DO NOT require a bachelor’s degree (level I job) Very few advancement opportunities

13. 13 Retail: General Merchandise

14. 14 Personnel Supply Services Temporary or permanent placement positions Nation’s fastest growing industry. Growth from 1,571 employees in 1990 to 3,250 in 1998. Mostly entry level jobs, but skill level is based on placement slot.

15. 15 Emerging Industries Computer and Data Processing Telecommunications Financial Services/Web-based Banking

16. 16 Computer and Data Processing Typically small companies Produce the programs and/or instructions that make computers useful. Provide service to companies regarding computer purchases, networks etc. Employment is technically demanding. Strong need for communications and interpersonal skills as well as code writing and other technical skills.

17. 17 Computer and Data Processing

18. 18 Data Processing 34% pre-baccalaureate employment “We hire for attitude and train for skills” employer quote Certification held role in skill recognition Higher wages linked to certification obtainment.

19. 19 Telecommunications Provides the means to move information (voice, data or other) Services such as phone, internet, cable, wireless Two general types of work: customer contact and technical Not degree dependant

20. 20 Financial Services/Web- based Banking Over all banking has declined (2,576 employees 1998) Area of growth is in Web-based banking Occupation areas: –Product Manager (technical consultant, systems architect) –E-commerce Bachelors degree