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California sees demand coming for 2.7 million jobs

October 19th, 2009, 3:00 am · 53 Comments · posted by Mary Ann Milbourn

California needs to look beyond the recession and begin training workers for jobs that require more than a high school diploma but less than a bachelors degree to fill a projected 2.7 million openings, says EDGE, a coalition of groups promoting workforce development.

These so-called middle-skill jobs, such as computer technicians, carpenters, licensed vocational nurses and paralegals, provide the backbone for the economy, says the coalition in a report being released today.

Middle-skill training, however, has largely been ignored because of the state's "barbell" philosophy which has emphasized higher education and high school diplomas, says the report.

Meanwhile, these middle-skill jobs will account for 43% of the job openings between 2006 and 2016, EDGE says. The openings will come from both new jobs as well as the vacancies created as Baby Boomers retire.

top10-middle-skill-jobs

These jobs are critical for the economy, but go largely unheralded, notes EDGE in its report, "California's forgotten middle-skill jobs."

"For every engineer, there's a half-dozen people who support them," says Agnes Balassa, western regional field director of The Workforce Alliance, which is leading the Skills2Compete campaign. "For every doctor, there's a slew of people working behind the scenes."

The report notes that 58% of the people who will be in the workforce in 2020 will be working adults long past high school graduation but who will still need additional education and training.

"The Skills2Compete campaign says this finding underscores the importance of investments in training and re-training the current adult workforce to closing the skill gap," says the report.

Virginia Hamilton, executive director of the California Workforce Association, which participated in the report, says efforts should also be made for workers whose jobs will never come back, like those in the mortgage industry.

She says this should include programs designed around work hours for people who can't afford to take a year or two out of the workforce to be retrained.

It is the second report in as many months to focus on the demand for new jobs that require some post-high school training, but not a bachelors degree.  Last month a coalition sounded the alarm for more programs to train health care workers for the projected 1.3 million jobs that will needed in Southern California alone by 2030.

The coalition acknowledges the state is broke and doesn't have a lot of resources to put into this training.

They hope their recommendations will keep state officials from further cutting funding for community colleges, which provide a lot of this training.  They also hope there will be opportunities for public-private partnerships in which schools can team with employers to provide industry-specific skills.

Their goal, which they compare to the post-war G.I. Bill, is for every Californian to have access to up to two years of education or training past high school leading to a vocational credential, industry certification or an associates degree.

Hamilton says EDGE wants the report to provide a framework for workforce programs going forward, including the the $415 million in stimulus funds that are coming to California.

Read the full report HERE.

Did you miss these other jobs and economy stories ...

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 53 Comments

  • Insurance License Training says:
    October 19, 2009 at 5:14 am

    This is great news! Seeing that the initiative is being taken and that the need is being recognized is a big relief. There are many professional skill development schools and online course providers who should support this move. In collaboration with the government, this is definitely possible.

  • Doc Savage says:
    October 19, 2009 at 7:15 am

    Most of these jobs will be filled by illegal aliens.

    • ocwasp says:
      October 19, 2009 at 8:05 am

      Illegal and unlicensed - they've already been undercutting every (formerly) decent-paying trade. When your plumbing/drywall explodes and you need accountability, good luck finding the same cockroach to make it right again.

    • SC2 says:
      October 19, 2009 at 8:10 am

      If not most, then many, and in 2015...

      Any chump who believes this headline pertains to today is a fool - nothing but sensationalism in 2009 regarding what could happen years down the road.

  • never ending fight for freedom says:
    October 19, 2009 at 7:16 am

    Insurance License Training:

    Yeah right, collaboration with government is the critical key here.
    dumb@$$

  • gouscoc says:
    October 19, 2009 at 7:44 am

    Jobs cause global warming. No jobs for you.

    • brianguy says:
      October 19, 2009 at 9:03 am

      exactly... and the Sanchez's and Schwarzeneggers of the world wouldn't want it any other way!

  • Ed says:
    October 19, 2009 at 8:02 am

    This is a joke, right?

  • Techie714 says:
    October 19, 2009 at 8:20 am

    This is why we cant have nice things all you people do on these boards is complain. This is actually very good news & we need to stop telling EVERY H.S. student they MUST get a 4 year degree or they will flip burgers for life, biggest lie ever. I'm tired of seeing cashiers at Best Buy & Blockbuster with 4 year degree's. College should be more like Europes system. Over their you take a test & if you qualify you can go to college only IF your profession requires it. You know like a doctor, lawyer, etc.

    My company actually targets the baby boomers & their nee for technology assistance & help. Business is pretty damn good in this field. One thing I have noticed is many of my clients have the cash they just dont want to deal with the headache of learning a new technology, or setting it up for that matter.

  • JD says:
    October 19, 2009 at 8:28 am

    what is the purpose of this article??

  • AG says:
    October 19, 2009 at 8:40 am

    Same Ol' BS service jobs.

    For decades we were pushing manufacturing jobs out of the country and were replacing them with the service sector jobs. Then we were all to happy to share some those not so glamorous service jobs with the illegals. We could do that and get away with it because of the all mighty dollar.

    Now, let's take a deep breath and open up our eyes. The world has changed and it doesn't look too good for us. Yes, we are stil number one militarily and the dollar is still the world's reserve currency but it's melting faster then chocolate in the sun.

    You have to blind or stupid not to see that the only jobs that make sense in this new world are the manufacturing jobs. We have to start again making TV's, refrigerators and freaking shoes in this once great country. We don't have an alternative anymore, it's that simple.

  • Dorian says:
    October 19, 2009 at 8:46 am

    Anyone who believes this is insane.

  • Debbie says:
    October 19, 2009 at 8:54 am

    First of all I seriously disagree with some of the jobs listed as "middle skills." Carpenter? You can begin that job right out of high school. If you've ever watched construction of homes going up the carpenter may or may not even have a high school diploma.

    Reports came out saying that teachers would be needed too and look where those people are. 6 years of education (BA+Credential School) and many of them are back to being waitresses and working at Target.

    California will cut education everytime but will keep those prisons going! Gotta support the rapist, murder, drug dealer. Only so much money and we have to feed, clothe, give healthcare and education to those in prison.

    A nice article but not based in reality.

    • Susan says:
      October 19, 2009 at 8:34 pm

      Your right Debbie, carpenters hope to someday grow up to a job that is considered middle skill. And go to any construction site and try to find a carpenter who is legal to work in the US.

  • Chris M says:
    October 19, 2009 at 8:54 am

    This presumes that an entrepreneur will open a business in California where these jobs will be. Given the business climate that the California State Govt has created, not likely....

    • brianguy says:
      October 19, 2009 at 9:11 am

      that's what I was thinking when I first read this headline too.

      with a few exceptions (computer support, nurses, dental, electricians) the fact that they call some of these "middle-skill" jobs is almost laughable. construction and painting and truck driving are middle skill? I'd hate to see what the "low skill" jobs entail. trash man? gardening? wharf scraping?

  • brianguy says:
    October 19, 2009 at 9:01 am

    good to know if all of this doesn't work out, what with the college education, student loans, etc. I can always become a painter.

  • Richard Deight says:
    October 19, 2009 at 9:03 am

    Compare this headline with one after Schwarzenegger's California's quixotic Global Warming Solutions Act takes effect. After cap-and-trade, there won't be enough jobs left to shake a stick at. Everyone who can get out will have left the state.

  • Jim says:
    October 19, 2009 at 9:25 am

    These people don't know what they're talking about. The retirements or new jobs will not be filled to nearly to the level theybare saying. Retirements will probably mostly be NOT filled due to hiring freezes. The new jobs will not be new jobs, but reduced jobs. That is to say, when a high skill, high paying job is liquidated, it will be replaced with a middle skill, middle paying job to save the budgets. These jobs will probably have a greater work load for the lower wage. Don't be fooled by this non-sense. The people in power are raping this economy and sappnig what little is left of it!

    • brianguy says:
      October 19, 2009 at 9:43 am

      if people even retire, rather than keep working. I've already seen it a few times in the past year or two... some people can't retire, and/or would just rather work up until their deathbed.

  • ocballfan says:
    October 19, 2009 at 9:37 am

    Obama Adminstration blowing smoke again!!!!!!!

  • SoCoDave says:
    October 19, 2009 at 9:45 am

    Rather than spending billions of tax dollars providing an additional 2 years of public education after 13 years of tax-payer supported education, here's an idea. If a student doesn't have at least a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in the first two years of high school, that student (with parental involvement) must choose a "career." From that point on, the student starts working in that career field as an apprentice for 2 years at minimum wage. The student will learn real world skills, businesses will benefit and public education costs will decrease.

    • Happy Camper says:
      October 19, 2009 at 8:38 pm

      Wow, I guess it a good thing I already have my Masters, you would have made me a receptionist since I flunked my first year of college.

  • foolishpleasure says:
    October 19, 2009 at 9:47 am

    leave it to the MSM/ government media to print BASELESS
    articles like this one- who the h*** is EDGE? the only thing
    on the edge is our economy-- this is a must read blog that
    explains in plain english exactly what is going on right now-
    ignore his revelations at your own peril---

    http://market-ticker.org/archives/2009/10/19.html

  • Steven Dugle says:
    October 19, 2009 at 9:56 am

    Nice article but no business wants to stay here if they can do go to another state. I know, I recruit for the Nevada Chamber of Commerce and business has never been better. Face it, you may have the weather but when does that ever pay the bills. Keep cutting teachers, cops, and raising takes and you will always continue to be a second class state. Thanks again.

  • stephanie says:
    October 19, 2009 at 10:06 am

    My question would be do these jobs pay well enough for a person to not only care for themselves well, but perhaps also to provide for a family?

  • 2nd Amendment Sis says:
    October 19, 2009 at 10:11 am

    And what I was I saying just last week on this site? That not everyone is 4-year college material, and that unskilled and semi-skilled (what they refer to as "middle-skill") jobs are critical to our economy! That we need people who want these jobs!

    Nice to know I'm not the lone voice in the wilderness on this one.

  • Over Taxed says:
    October 19, 2009 at 10:15 am

    Many years ago, I got an AA degree, took a State Board Exam, and became a licensed medical support staff person. I no longer work in the medical field, but I still maintain my license.

    What a shock when I got my renewal application in the mail last week. The fee to maintain my license had jumped to $200!!

    Many people who work in my former field of employment don't make all that much money, and if they work part-time, as I did, they make even less.

    Arnold and the legislature have turned this state into a joke. We keep pouring money out to support prison inmates, anchor babies, and illegals, and all the while the state steals money (in the form of taxes, fees and insurance premiums) from those who are struggling just to make an honest living.

    It's no wonder than many working class and middle class people are leaving this formerly Golden State for other states where the government is less interested in throwing away the taxpayer's money.

    As for me, I am not in a position to leave this state - yet. But I am going to think long and hard before I pay $200 to maintain a CA state license that I have not used in 10 years.

    • AG says:
      October 19, 2009 at 10:38 am

      In some countries you pay the mafia for being able to maintain your business.

      In California you pay the government for being able to maintain your licence.

      Difference?

    • Steven Dugle says:
      October 19, 2009 at 12:11 pm

      Come on over to Nevada and enjoy the $0 state income taxes. We would love to have you. California certainly doesn't.

      • bleh says:
        October 19, 2009 at 11:44 pm

        Nevada, where the state allows businesses to dump whatever they want wherever they want. Sounds beautiful!

  • Fourthgeneration says:
    October 19, 2009 at 10:41 am

    Well what happended to the community colleges? Look at the list of works in the article and roughly 7 out of the ten listed are taught at CCs.

  • huynguyen_1970@yahoo.com says:
    October 19, 2009 at 12:11 pm

    If you don't like this article then get out the town....... All we need is a positive thinking to build our California again.

    • Steven Dugle says:
      October 19, 2009 at 12:17 pm

      Try saying that to the millions of Californians on the brink of financial ruin. Happy Thoughts can't pay the mortgage. Do you work in Fantasyland?

  • Steven Dugle says:
    October 19, 2009 at 12:15 pm

    What happened to community colleges? Cutbacks on classes and teachers have effected them as well. It just continues....

  • sowhat says says:
    October 19, 2009 at 12:33 pm

    just a blatent attempt to keep people here in california...its a diversion tactic..they say they will need all these people so everyone will continue to live here and educate their needs based on this information....

    this state is going down the tubes and they know it...so they will try to keep as many people as possible by throwing around the jobs issue. and sucking in those poor btards.. If you have kids and think they would be good at any one of these professions, good for you..however, I would always encourage my son to attend higher education no matter what profession he chooses.

    Illegal immigrants will continue to perform more of the construction type business because they are cheaper...Hell, even the apt complex I live in they hired a company to repair the wall....neither 3 of the hispanic workers could speak a lick of english....but they did a good job on the work..Those 3 probably cost less than one american legalized worker..dirt cheap labor at a high cost.. american greed at it's best just isn't for the corporations..

    • ocobserver says:
      October 19, 2009 at 12:57 pm

      There ya go, sowhat.

      Basically, trying to keep a sinking ship afloat.

      More change that you can believe in! hah!

      It's pretty much over 'cept for the shouting.

      Within 3 years I don't think you'll recognize the structure of the country, let alone the state.

      Heck, I am prohibited from buying an illegal alien costume for Halloween. All the stores have removed them from their shelved to protect the image of illegal foreign lawbreakers.

      Imagine that. I can buy an Al Capone costume but can't buy an illegal alien costume.

      We're cooked. Just go ahead and put the fork in us!!!

  • Mr. NOSPIN says:
    October 19, 2009 at 5:18 pm

    This whole story is flawed.

    First off the whole story revolves around the theory, yes theory that jobs will be created in California.

    As someone that owns two companies in OC, one of them a construction firm, this state is the most business unfriendly state around. Tax, Tax, and more taxes, and guess what, when those idiots in Sacramento finally understand that there is not enough money to go around who do you think they are going to go after for more money. You guessed it, businesses in California.

    They are already talking about changing the tax code to include a tax on services. Plumber comes to your house, tax on Labor. Get your car fixed, Tax on Labor. Who heck is going to pay all these taxes, the consumer. Your a fool if you think the business is going to eat it.

    Major companies are leaving this State every week. This States so called E-Friendly Ecolaws are a joke. 25% reduction in carbon emissions by the year 2020. Impossible. That’s why Consolidated Baking left last year, and with 1500 jobs.

    Skilled Carpenters. What the hel! are they talking about. Carpenters in this state are typically illegal aliens or Hispanics. That has been going on since the mid-seventies when the construction industry broke the Carpenters Union in the homebuilding arena. Guess what the Housing boom is dead and there is no sign of it being starting up anywhere in the near or distant future. No Loans, No houses, period.

    6900 plumbers. There are probably that many unemployed plumbers right now in this state from the new home construction death. I heard of a new home plumbing contractor that laid off 150 plumbers in 2008 and that’s just one company.

    Oh and do yourself a favor and click on the link to the whole report. The findings actually are framed around stimulus money. Hey hate to break the news but stimulus money is UNION JOBS.........

  • Teresa says:
    October 19, 2009 at 5:24 pm

    The lunatics are running the OCR!

  • caseclosed says:
    October 19, 2009 at 7:25 pm

    AS SOON AS I GET ALL MY FREE TRAINING paid for with california taxes I will move to another state where there is less taxes and more freedom, LOL

  • itsaloadofbull says:
    October 19, 2009 at 8:07 pm

    first off, it was recently stated that the companies involved in the labor required for these tasks lied about the amount of jobs that will be created. so cut this number down 1/3

    in closing, the only new jobs available are at the EDD and welfare agencies, though i hear chipotle is hiring

  • cynthia says:
    October 20, 2009 at 7:18 pm

    Well, everyone has a good point about illegal immirgants and carpentry but the register showed that a lot of carpentry work now can be perform by robots. Yorba Linda high school showed a high school student programming the rebot to design a door and geometry was used. Maybe, this what the Register is talking about less carpenters with more math skills which would put a lot of immirgants out of business. A robot in the long term is cheaper than a human.

  • cynthia says:
    October 20, 2009 at 7:23 pm

    Well, no income states in Nevada but how is property taxes. And Las Vegas has almost as many hispanics as Orange County with more afro-americans.This means that the workforce pool in Las Vegas has just as many people with low income skills as Califoria. I bet that the state of Washington which is less hispanic than both states wil create a better economy in the long run.

  • Tiffany says:
    October 21, 2009 at 9:31 am

    It'll be nice when all those baby boomers die. I mean they're all just depleting our resources. Nationalized health care should take care of them sooner than later. I mean let's face it, baby boomers have to be the most racist, selfish, closed minded, ego-filled Christian hypocrits, that ever lived. Yay, may your "retirement" come sooner than later.