Trends in Career Fields

Workplace Trends Changes employers are making in order to be more efficient and competitive Competence ◦In today’s workplace, competence, not educational background, often defines an employee’s value. ◦Companies are willing to hire employees with specialized training over college graduates.

BLS Predictions 10 of the 13 largest industry employers rank specialized training ahead of a college degree – when searching for a technical position 3 Fastest growing careers ◦Air Traffic Controller ◦Elevator Installer ◦Dental Hygienists

Contracting Work Sending out work to specialized businesses ◦Security ◦Grounds maintenance ◦Payroll ◦Advertising ◦Computer ◦Networking ◦Repairs

E-Commerce Companies need to branch out and offer both retail stores and web-based stores Increased delivery demands

The Global Marketplace In the Past….. In the Digital Age ◦US Companies have fierce competition from countries all over the world To Expand Marketplace ◦Many companies are forming partnerships with other companies

Moving Manufacturing to other countries ◦Lower wages Knowing how to interact with workers from different cultures knowing how to speak different languages Discovering different ways of solving problems ◦Important skills for employees of tomorrow

Teams Companies must respond quickly to changes in technology, customer demands, and global competition. Teams – workers who are brought together to complete a specific task or solve a specific problem. Each team member may be skilled in one area.

Cross Training – employees prepare for several workplace roles, rather than just one job. Being a part of team – how is that important to you?

Digital-Age Employment Employers want a wide range of skills ◦Day to day decision makers ◦Able to communicate with customers ◦Adaptability ◦Self-directed and self-motivated ◦Adapt to meeting changing markets ◦Work with people all over the world ◦ATTITUDE is key. – Being positive, having confidence.

Work Force Trends Increase Transferable Skills Lifelong learning ◦85% of all jobs require further education Work Scheduling ◦Four 10 hour days ◦Telecommuting ◦Job-sharing

Futurecasting For the next decade, the BLS makes the following predictions The US economy will have moderate growth and strong foreign trade Workers over age 45 will be a large portion of the labor force Employers will continue to employ more women Workforce will be more racially diverse More Service & retail occupations