“We must begin to identify where and how our industry is going in order to access the individuals who will fill this demand,” said Ashley Collins, education coordinator for AgCareers.com. “The AgCareers.com Skilled Labor Outlook Surveys and Report will help in doing that.” 

Skilled labor workers are individuals who have had long periods of formal training.  Jobs requiring skilled labor may involve the exercise of independent judgment and a high degree of manual skill. These workers are equipped with special knowledge or qualifications.  Some of the positions considered in this area may include: electricians, mechanics, millwrights, technicians, production supervisors, operators, drivers, welders, applicators, etc. 

Recently three online surveys were launched to collect opinions from community college faculty, employers of this demographic, and employees currently in these fields.  Questions in the survey address scholastics and employment recruitment practices, current human resources practices, and employee retention.   The surveys are live until January 9, 2009, and all who have an interest in recruiting or working in this demographic are welcome to participate.  All responses will be kept anonymous. AgrowKnowlege is providing approximately $1,400 in prizes, awarded at random, for those who participate.   

Information gathered from the surveys will produce the Skilled Labor Outlook Report which will be released during the first quarter of 2009.  The report will be offered free of charge to all faculty and employers who complete the survey, and will also become the tool for our industry to use for educational and employment recruitment.