WIOA State Plan Common Elements

Employers in the sample who had hired within the past two years were asked the level of difficulty they had in finding candidates with adequate basic skills. A majority of those stated that it was either extremely or moderately difficult. The responses also indicated that it was most difficult to hire people with experience in the occupation, but hundreds of employers said it was most difficult to hire for entry level positions. Over 1,300 employers indicated that the number one reason for rejecting applicants was that they did not pass a drug screen, surpassing lack of work experience. When given the opportunity to list other reasons, employers indicated lack of driver’s license or reliable transportation, lack of required certification, attendance history, employment history, failed employment skills testing, and others, most relating to soft skills.

A list of soft skills, and a list of technical skills was provided, so the employers could choose all skills gaps that have been identified in existing staff. Of the soft skills, across all industries and all areas, attendance was the skill that employers identified as the number one problem with present staff. Others chosen at high levels were time management, following directions, critical thinking, and communication. Gaps identified in technical skills often varied by industry. In a majority of the manufacturing industries, the top technical gaps were machining, welding, and electrical. In utilities, the number one technical skill selected was math. Utilities employers also ranked engineering and electrical at high levels. The selections from construction companies varied depending on the type of work that was done. Some of the top choices were carpentry, blueprint reading, industrial experience, equipment operating, electrical, and welding.

When employers were asked what area of training would be most valuable to improve the workforce, choosing from soft skills, occupational experience, or education, the majority ranked soft skills as most valuable. Respondents also were given the opportunity to list future technologies that would require training. Employers listed mobile technology, robotics, computer numerical control (CNC) technology, manufacturing automation technology, and general computer advancements as the top five technologies. The survey revealed that a majority of employers do not presently use training resources provided to them by various workforce development partners. A majority of employers still conduct their own training, on the job.