Need a Job? Industries That Need You NOW

With the U.S unemployment rate holding steady at an unsettling 9.5% this past month— signifying more than 14.6 million out-of-work Americans—news that some of our nation’s industries are actually suffering from worker shortages may come as a surprise.

What’s to blame for the discrepancy between the near double-digit national unemployment rate and the dearth of workers to fill certain jobs? One word: qualifications.

In fact, according to CareerBuilder's 2010 Mid-Year Job Forecast:

• One-in-five employers (22 percent) reported that, despite an abundant labor pool, they still have positions for which they can't find qualified candidates.
• Forty-eight percent of HR managers reported that there was an area of their organization in which they lacked qualified workers.
• Health-care employers were the most likely to report a skills deficit with 63 percent of HR professionals in large health-care organizations stating they have a shortage of qualified workers.

Wondering what jobs are out there? Trying to figure where to focus your job training for the best shot at a new career? CareerBuilder shares the “employee-hungry sectors” currently in need of a ready, willing and able workforce, including:

Skilled Labor
According to a talent shortage survey conducted by staffing firm Manpower Inc., “skilled trade jobs (HVAC, electricians, plumbers, pipefitters, etc.) are 2010's hardest jobs to fill.” In the current economy, skilled trade jobs are attractive because they often allow for on-the-job training, yielding a paycheck while you acquire necessary labor skills in the form of paid apprenticeships.

Transportation
Recent increases in manufacturing have created a rise in demand in warehouses to store goods and transportation to deliver them. According to a 2010 job outlook study done by online ad research firm Borrell Associates, “the transportation, warehousing and utilities industry is expected to see 31.6 percent more job openings this year than it did in 2009.” Not only is there a high demand, but also there are few obstacles to breaking into an industry which normally requires only that you to be of a certain age, have a Commercial Driver’s License, and a clean driving record.

Automotive
A rebounding auto industry is looking to hire back much of its workforce. And with automotive salaries topping most others in the manufacturing field, it pays to accelerate your job search in this industry.

Education
Despite budget cuts and layoffs, teachers are still needed, especially in the areas of special education, mathematics, bilingual teaching and foreign language. While low salaries and high stress are often culprits in low teacher retention, career changers are being heavily recruited into education with liberal teaching certification programs.

Healthcare
According to a December 2009 survey by AMN Health Care Services, “95 percent of hospital CEOs agreed that there was a shortage of physicians in the U.S.; and from 2008-2018, the BLS reports that 600,000 new jobs will be created in nursing alone.” As such, 10 of 20 of the fast-growing occupations is in the healthcare field.

Engineering
With many of its most qualified workers retiring, the engineering industry is in dire need of trained professionals able to take charge in jobs spurred by economic stimulus funds. These well-paid positions often require engineering degrees, but also can be filled by math or science majors.

Customer Service and Sales
Building client relationships and revenue remains a priority as the economy attempts to rebound. According to CareerBuilder's Mid-Year Job Forecast, that means “25 percent of hiring managers surveyed said they plan to hire workers for customer service positions in the second half of 2010, while 22 percent said they'd be hiring more salespeople.” This is great news for an eager workforce looking for jobs requiring a strong work ethic and with no real educational requirements.