Highly skilled and educated workers with the ability to keep learning, think on their own and work well with others will be needed over the next several years for Connecticut's "knowledge intensive" economy, according to a state Department of Labor assessment.
In the labor department's Office of Research report, "The Global Arena: Connecticut's Challenge in the 21st Century," Brandon Hooker notes the state's "current and future workforce must not only gain proficiency in particular subject areas, but also acquire a working knowledge of professional skills" to meet demands for employees who can create and adapt to a "collaboration-based workplace."
Hooker notes a growing number of Connecticut companies are having a tough time filling jobs that require computer and math skills, advanced health-care training and technical sales experience.
Nearly half of the state's leading careers include jobs in health-care support and practice, business and financial operations, management, education, training and computers.
According to Hooker, for the next several years Connecticut employers will be competing for accountants, registered nurses, computer analysts and engineers, and securities sales professionals.
Hooker draws on the labor department's "Forecast 2014," which was published last summer. The forecast estimates a rising need for professionals with post-secondary education in specific fields.
In a 10-year period from 2004 to 2014, jobs for network systems and data communications analysts are expected to see an 38.9 percent growth rate. The need for computer software and applications engineers will grow by more than 32 percent, and the demand for database administrators will increase by more than 30 percent, according to the forecast.
Physical therapy jobs will see a 30 percent increase, and the growth rate for cardiovascular technologists and radiation therapists will increase by around 25 percent during that period.
While these occupations require specific educational backgrounds or training, Hooker notes some employers surveyed by the state Department of Higher Education found new hires lacked "professional skills" needed for career advancement.
These "professional skills" may not be as readily verifiable as college degrees or technical certificates.
According to Hooker, corporations are actively seeking employees who can work collaboratively. The skills needed in the collaboration-based workplace include the ability to "actively listen," or give attention to what other are saying while asking questions that lead to solutions.
Long- and short-term problem solving and decision making will require "active learning" skills to analyze factors such as market trends and legislation.
In addition to listening and learning skills, Hooker anticipates both experienced and entry-level employees will be called upon to evaluate productivity.
One of the most highly-prized skills — critical thinking — is described as the ability to weigh pros and cons along the paths to problem solving. Critical thinking is valued for potentially delivering bottom-line payoffs in time or money.
The labor department forecast shows jobs for personal financial advisors will grow by more than 25 percent in the coming years. There will be a near 25 percent increased need for securities, commodities and financial service sales agents.
According to the forecast, producers and directors will see job opportunities increase by nearly 25 percent, and job growth in the employment field is expected to reach 20.4 percent.
Double digit job growth is expected for architects, occupational therapists, social and community service managers, substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors as well as registered nurses.
Consumer demand for residential repairs, maintenance and alterations is expected to lead to a demand for electricians, HVAC technicians and plumbers.
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