Workforce
more than of projected job openings will require some education beyond high school
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will require mid-level education or higher
“ We train each employee to be competent at all aspects of the office , but finding people who show up on time and actually want to work has been trying at times . Computer skills are always a premium .”
— Pullman Business Owner
Workforce
Washington state is the home of innovation , providing dynamic employment opportunities for those in the state and those wishing to move to Washington . Iconic companies like Boeing , Microsoft , Starbucks and Amazon exemplify the state ’ s spirit of innovation . All of these companies started as a small business . Richard Branson has said , “ Small businesses are nimble and bold and can often teach much larger companies a thing or two about innovations that can change entire industries .”
The growth of Washington as a home for global corporations has led to a robust small business sector . Employment projections in Washington for 2018 – 2023 show a robust demand for workers with postsecondary education . As businesses , industries and workplaces become increasingly complex , employers need workers with skills and education that allow them to adapt and excel in evolving environments . More than three-quarters of all projected job openings will require at least some education beyond high school , with two-thirds requiring mid-level education or higher .
A new report from the Georgetown Center on Education and the Workforce highlights the fact that , after several years of slow growth following the Great Recession , we are now seeing a surge in openings for good , high-paying jobs with benefits . Employers participating in the small business tour remain concerned about deficiencies in the soft skills of new workers . Critical thinking , problem solving , team work , collaboration and communication skills are becoming increasingly necessary for small businesses to expand . Technological advances are revolutionizing many industries , transforming the nature of employee tasks , the kind of activities they engage in and their responsibilities .
“ In 2009 , a PET scan was $ 75 — in 2015 it was $ 1,600 . My employees can ’ t afford that . In 2016 , we ’ ve gone to a platinum plan , but in a year or two it will be subject to a Cadillac tax and we won ’ t be able to afford that .”
— Vancouver Business Owner