By Mary Lorenz, CareerBuilder.com Writer
As more workers from the baby boomer generation retire, millions of jobs are opening up across a variety of industries; unfortunately, hiring managers are having trouble filling these vacant positions.
By Mary Lorenz, CareerBuilder.com Writer As more workers from the baby boomer generation retire, millions of jobs are opening up across a variety of industries; unfortunately, hiring managers are having trouble filling these vacant positions.
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Search by Company | Search by IndustryThe reason? In some instances, there is simply a lack of interest in certain industries, such as manufacturing. Many of today's young professionals are focusing on jobs that require computer and analytical thinking skills, rather than ones that require working with their hands. In many cases, however, especially for hiring managers looking to fill management positions, the problem isn't a lack of candidates, but a lack of qualified candidates.
In order to resolve this problem, some employers are offering incentives to older workers who are willing to delay retirement for a few years. Others are offering hiring bonuses to attract new, more-qualified workers. Still, other companies are going right to the source of the problem, setting up courses with colleges and universities that train skilled workers or to pay students' tuition to prepare them for specialized work. Companies like Exelon and General Electric are providing research grants and scholarships for power engineering programs at four-year colleges. And the Natural Association of Manufacturers recently established the "Dream It. Do It." program to train young professionals and garner interest in manufacturing careers among students.
According to Manpower, Inc.'s 2007 Talent Shortage Survey, the following jobs are most in need of qualified workers right now. Due to high demand, pursuing a job in one of these fields could mean increased pay and more benefits for those willing to take the plunge.
1. Sales representatives
Qualifications: A four-year college degree with courses in marketing, leadership, communication, business and advertising, or a high school degree and a proven record of successfully selling other products. Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills are just as important as education and training.
Average salary:* $40,868
Qualifications: A four-year college degree with courses in marketing, leadership, communication, business and advertising, or a high school degree and a proven record of successfully selling other products. Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills are just as important as education and training.
Average salary:* $40,868
2. Teachers
Qualifications: Educational qualifications for postsecondary teacher jobs range from expertise in a particular field to a Ph.D., depending on the subject being taught and the type of educational institution.
Average salary: $45,281
Qualifications: Educational qualifications for postsecondary teacher jobs range from expertise in a particular field to a Ph.D., depending on the subject being taught and the type of educational institution.
Average salary: $45,281
3. Mechanics
Qualifications: Complete a formal training program in high school, or in a postsecondary vocational school or community college. Some service technicians, however, still learn the trade solely by assisting and learning from experienced workers.
Average salary: $43,760
Qualifications: Complete a formal training program in high school, or in a postsecondary vocational school or community college. Some service technicians, however, still learn the trade solely by assisting and learning from experienced workers.
Average salary: $43,760
4. Engineering technicians
Qualifications: An associate degree in engineering technology from a technical institute, vocational school or community college, creativity and good communications skills.
Average salary: $47,759
Qualifications: An associate degree in engineering technology from a technical institute, vocational school or community college, creativity and good communications skills.
Average salary: $47,759
5. Management/Executives (Administrative Services Manager)
Qualifications: Vary widely, depending on the size of the organization, but usually include several years of experience within an organization, a bachelor's degree and, oftentimes, advanced degree.
Average salary: $90,913
Qualifications: Vary widely, depending on the size of the organization, but usually include several years of experience within an organization, a bachelor's degree and, oftentimes, advanced degree.
Average salary: $90,913
6. Truck Drivers -- Freight
Qualifications: Valid driver's license, clean driving record and demonstrated ability to handle machinery.
Average salary: $43,053
Qualifications: Valid driver's license, clean driving record and demonstrated ability to handle machinery.
Average salary: $43,053
7. Drivers -- Delivery
Qualifications: Valid driver's license, clean driving record.
Average salary: $29,870
Qualifications: Valid driver's license, clean driving record.
Average salary: $29,870
8. Accountants
Qualifications: Professional certification or licensure, a master's degree and proficiency in accounting and auditing computer software.
Average salary: $52,940
Qualifications: Professional certification or licensure, a master's degree and proficiency in accounting and auditing computer software.
Average salary: $52,940
9. Construction laborers
Qualifications: On-the-job training or completion of a formal apprenticeship programs.
Average salary: $40,658
Qualifications: On-the-job training or completion of a formal apprenticeship programs.
Average salary: $40,658
10. Machine Operators
Qualifications: Completion of an apprentice program, on-the-job training or participation in a vocational school, technical school or community college program.
Average salary: $30,176
Qualifications: Completion of an apprentice program, on-the-job training or participation in a vocational school, technical school or community college program.
Average salary: $30,176
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Search by Company | Search by Industry*Salary information provided by www.CBsalary.com includes benefits and bonuses.
Copyright 2007 CareerBuilder.com.
Feb 10th 2009 @ 9:36AM Gerardo Medina
I have worked in Country Clubs for most of my life.But now I ama handicap. And would like to find something to help me with some economic situations.I can worked on my computer good not to the point to be an expert. But ican do billings and do paper work,like collecting etc.My wife and I have a prety good computer since our son is going to college to get a P.H.D in computer science and engineer. IS thetre any job that I can do from home?I am not asking for a ot of pay ,just something to help us on this trouble times.
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Feb 12th 2009 @ 2:56PM John W. Ferris
Retired proofreader/court reporter/tool and die maker/log cabin builder who's owned homes for forty-five years, can outspell all of these young dingleberries purporting to be grammarians or English majors who graduated with honors. Am familiar with legal, medical, construction, aerospace engineering, political/historical jargon, and have had more hobbies than Hogan's had goats! I have a degree in journalism, have written hundreds of short stories, but cannot find a job in this day and age to save my Irish ass! Is there any company out there that recognizes how important it is to not only spell correctly, but to assemble words in such a manner as to impress the readers of their printed messages? Last week I found 104 typographical errors in a major national publication, so I guess I've answered my own question. Does anyone give a rat's ass how asinine it is to publish such crap and expect people to believe you have expertise? Surely would be rewarding if I might earn some supplementary income in my retirement years, but with all these know-it-all whiz bang 25-year-old HR idiots I've interviewed with, I damn sure ain't holdin' my breath! The last one I talked to didn't know the difference between its and it's -- but she had a college degree! So long, America! Can you surmise I've been drinking?
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Feb 21st 2009 @ 2:03AM Bob
Ever stop and think your attitude may have something to do with you not being hired?
Feb 24th 2009 @ 11:56AM dawright
AMEN! We are witnessing the downfall of America right now! I have surgical experience as a vet tech, went to school as a medical office assistant. I was professional hair stylist. Girlfriend went with me to put in app at hospital for phlebotomist, guess what?!! She got the job because her mom worked there. Damned thing is, she's afraid of needles!!! It's not what you know, it's who you fucking know!!! If I make it to an old folks home, shoot me!! I don't want these dumb ass, smart assed kids trying to wipe my ass!! They wouldn't know where to find it until they google it!! Godd luck America. By the way, the foreigners are laughing their asses off at us.
Mar 7th 2009 @ 10:16PM ORP the Alien
Have another drink buddy. I'm with you all the way. I know the difference between it's and its.
Mar 8th 2009 @ 12:51AM Donna Tivoli
I just loved your comment.. I found it well written. Truth in all your words, and best of all does the words 'You said a mouthful' ring a bell?
Who cares if you been drinking, I may just join you.
As my grandmother used to say, a very wise woman, 'We are going to hell in a church basket'
Mar 11th 2009 @ 1:06PM Kay
To John W. Ferris: I care very much about all of these things.
Apr 19th 2009 @ 12:38PM Debra
Sure its important that your so brilliant but that won't go far without a personality. You sound like your so arrogant and angry it probably carries over into your daily life as to quote "its so assinine." Is this not describing a behavior? Which in turn is a verb. Not listed in any dictionary I could find. Good luck finding someone who wants to deal with you on a daily basis. Personally I would avoid you like one avoids the Plague.
Feb 12th 2009 @ 2:53PM John W. Ferris
This very page -- second paragraph -- 7th line, to wit:. . . the Natural Association of Manufacturers -- wanna bet it's 'sposed to be National? Exactly my point -- no one proofreads diddley! But then again, if everyone is as stupid as the person who let that typo slip by, who gives a fuck, right?
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Feb 10th 2009 @ 10:41AM Jolly Rogers
Article makes a good point. When I hired into the company I work for 10 years ago they had to run full page ads to get enough applicants to fill $25 hour jobs, which is a good income in this area. It's been just recently that they've been deluged with applicants and people crying to get a job there. Should have hired in 10 years ago.
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Feb 21st 2009 @ 3:44AM LISA
ANYONE CHECKED WITH THE POST OFFICE??? NO EXPERIENCE,US CITIZEN OR GREEN CARD,MANY POSITIONS AND STARTING PAY IS $20.00 AN HOUR!!!! JUST SAW THIS ON CAREER BUILDER,IT'S WORTH A SHOT FOR THAT PAY AND MANY BENEFITS,IT IS THE GOVERMENT!!
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Feb 24th 2009 @ 12:54PM Rob
Do you realize that you have to be BLACK only to get these jobs? If your white don't bother to apply.
Feb 27th 2009 @ 8:05PM Owen
Hello Lisa,
Pplease tell me how, and where I can apply the Postal Positions.
Apr 14th 2009 @ 7:17PM Debbie
Lisa,
If you listen to the news, those postal jobs out there are scams. They are not hiring. Please protect yourself and stay up to date with the news and all the scams going on out there. Be careful!
Aug 1st 2009 @ 1:17AM annie
Dear Lisa
About the post office,they are considering to put 4 to 5 days of work to save money so I hate to tell u this but this not a option, the country is broke the all country is suffering, been in the post office business my husband and I was told this, perhaps very soon so I will not count on a part time job there they may loose jobs also.
Sincerely
Feb 24th 2009 @ 4:31PM Wonderwitch
I really wish that these articles would STOP telling people that teachers are needed. I teach and have been doing so for 20 years . . . my career has spanned four states. If I were to quit today, there would be ten applicants arm-wrestling for my position by noon tomorrow. There is NOT a teacher shortage! Perhaps if you wish to teach Special Education or possibily math, you will find work. However, if you are considering teaching other things, please join the long line of people with degrees in English or History Education who are bartending.
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Mar 7th 2009 @ 10:18PM ORP the Alien
Have another drink buddy. I'm with you all the way.
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Mar 7th 2009 @ 11:50PM carol
Please tell me more about this opportunity.
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Mar 8th 2009 @ 12:44AM Donna Tivoli
I found your remarks fantastic and straight to the point, which I love! No beating around the bush. I believe in being upfront and saying it like it is..
You have your drink. I may just be joing you..
As my grandmother always said, a very wise woman, 'We are going to hell in a basket!'
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Mar 8th 2009 @ 12:49AM Donna Tivoli
Hi Lisa.
I have checked with them. Took at least three test. So far have not heard from anyone. The time frame, two years. Also my score was near 100, so it's not that. They just take all the applicants that others inside know, then what's left, they hire the minority.
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