The training shortfall for vocational, skilled trades
With the nation's unemployment rate continuing to drop, labor markets are in an ever-tightening vice, and Illinois employers are feeling the pain as they try to fill middle-skill jobs. There is a misguided belief that the skills gap exclusively hits at the top end of the labor market, in fields such as professional services, engineering or computer sciences.
While there are critical shortages across many industries, the reality is that Illinois employers struggle most to find qualified employees in fields that require more than a high school diploma, but also certifications and skills not provided by a two or four-year college program.
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