I’ll be joining many of you on the road this week to visit family and friends for Thanksgiving. But, before my flight to Denver, I’m downloading the latest episode of the
State Chamber podcast, “Conversations with Kelly,” featuring our members who are experts on the topics of workforce, hiring, talent acquisition, and trends like virtual work. This is our sixth podcast episode. Now, if you’re on a really long flight or drive,
check out other episodes for really great discussions with people you might know, like Scott Kammerer, Reds Ferris, Trisha Newcomer, Tanya Williamson, Catrina Jefferson, Ryan Harrington, and more.
Speaking of workforce needs, today the Delaware Workforce Development Board, of which I am a member, released key findings from its recent survey of over 250 Delaware employers. The survey was commissioned by the Board to further its mandate to drive programs and initiatives that most effectively increase the number of Delawareans possessing the job skills Delaware employers need.
The Board highlighted the following key findings:
1. While two- or four-year colleges were considered somewhat or very important in recruitment by half or more of the respondents, so were technical and career schools, and four out of five respondents have employment opportunities that do not require a college degree.
2. Almost half the companies surveyed accept individuals who were part of the criminal justice system.
3. More than 40% of respondents cited self-motivation (53%), communication skills (51%), problem solving/critical thinking (45%), and attention to detail (43%) as the general skills and experience gaps that have large impacts on recruitment.
4. The technical skills gaps uncovered included a lack of Microsoft Excel and Word skills as well as shortcomings in basic computer literacy.
