Rhode Island Study Shows Critical Need for Retraining

A study just completed by the Rhode Island Workforce Alliance shows a large education gap opening for the residents of Rhode Island, one that is continuing to widen. According to the Earth Times the report says, "While the recession is stifling current employment growth, more than 68,000 "middle-skill" job openings (including new jobs and replacement) would account for 42 percent of all Rhode Island job openings between 2006 and 2016. Low- and high- skill jobs will account for 26 percent and 32 percent respectively."

Middle skill jobs are defined as professions that require more than a high school degree buy less than a four year college degree. The gap as it exists today is illustrated by the fact that while 48% of the available jobs in the state fit into this category, online 37% of the populace currently hold sufficient education credentials to qualify for them.

Among the educational credentials that will be increasingly needed are nursing degrees. According to the human resources director at Lifespan, a hospital operator " ��we are very concerned about the even steeper gap that will occur once the recession ends - causing demand to increase and allowing nurses that have been delaying retirement to finally do so. At that point we foresee not just renewed, but heightened demand for nurses and other middle-skill jobs��" He goes on to cite the increasing need for graduates from radiology technician schools and other positions that require a certain amount of training. They are working with local placement centers to develop training programs for areas where the workforce may begin to fall short.

The construction industry will be facing shortages as well. A state employment development program is working with local union leaders to develop carpentry school and electrician trade school opportunities for willing participants from the state's untrained work force. The study was conducted using U.S. Department of Labor projections along with a current population survey provided by the state.