Workforce
more than of projected job openings will require some education beyond high school
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will require mid-level education or higher
“ We train each employee to be competent at all aspects of the office, but finding people who show up on time and actually want to work has been trying at times. Computer skills are always a premium.”
— Pullman Business Owner
Workforce
Washington state is the home of innovation, providing dynamic employment opportunities for those in the state and those wishing to move to Washington. Iconic companies like Boeing, Microsoft, Starbucks and Amazon exemplify the state’ s spirit of innovation. All of these companies started as a small business. Richard Branson has said,“ Small businesses are nimble and bold and can often teach much larger companies a thing or two about innovations that can change entire industries.”
The growth of Washington as a home for global corporations has led to a robust small business sector. Employment projections in Washington for 2018 – 2023 show a robust demand for workers with postsecondary education. As businesses, industries and workplaces become increasingly complex, employers need workers with skills and education that allow them to adapt and excel in evolving environments. More than three-quarters of all projected job openings will require at least some education beyond high school, with two-thirds requiring mid-level education or higher.
A new report from the Georgetown Center on Education and the Workforce highlights the fact that, after several years of slow growth following the Great Recession, we are now seeing a surge in openings for good, high-paying jobs with benefits. Employers participating in the small business tour remain concerned about deficiencies in the soft skills of new workers. Critical thinking, problem solving, team work, collaboration and communication skills are becoming increasingly necessary for small businesses to expand. Technological advances are revolutionizing many industries, transforming the nature of employee tasks, the kind of activities they engage in and their responsibilities.
“ In 2009, a PET scan was $ 75— in 2015 it was $ 1,600. My employees can’ t afford that. In 2016, we’ ve gone to a platinum plan, but in a year or two it will be subject to a Cadillac tax and we won’ t be able to afford that.”
— Vancouver Business Owner