In states in all parts of the country, companies simply cannot find enough young people with the right skills and the right education for today s jobs. The shortage is across the board, but high-technology, skilled manufacturing, laboratory and clerical workers are the most scarce. This is a problem for a huge proportion of companies. In Washington state, a 1997 survey showed that 73 percent of employers have trouble finding qualified job applicants, and 70 percent of these say production is down as a result. Other states report similar problems.
Applicants often lack basic skills.
For jobs requiring a high school diploma, employers often cite unsatisfactory attendance and lack of punctuality as the two biggest problems. Other problems include poor written communication, problem solving and math skills. When companies can t find qualified applicants in state, they look elsewhere, Many companies surveyed say the shortage has affected their ability to do business in their state. As a result, many now recruit elsewhere. A job applicant s school record can make the difference.