The Growing demand for middle skills jobs in CT & MA
Middle skills jobs—those requiring more than a high school diploma, but less than a four-year college degree—are in high demand in Connecticut and Massachusetts. In fact, the demand for middle skills jobs is higher than either high or low skill occupations in both states; and the trend is expected to continue. According to the National Skills Coalition, between 2010 and 2020, 44 percent of Connecticut and 43 percent of Massachusetts job openings will be middle skills.
What may be surprising is there are more middle skill job openings than there are qualified job candidates. There is a middle skills gap throughout the country! In Connecticut, 49 percent of the labor market is middle skills, while only 39 percent are trained to be at the middle skill level. In Massachusetts, the gap is almost as high at 9 percent, with a 46 percent middle skill job market for a 37 percent middle skill workforce.
But what does this high demand and widening gap mean for you? If you’re looking for a career, it definitely means that opportunity is knocking on your door! Among the industries with particularly strong staffing of middle skill workers are healthcare and automotive technology. In Connecticut, 65 percent of all hospital jobs and 66 percent of automotive repair and maintenance jobs are middle skills jobs. Do you love cars? Have you always wanted a fulfilling career in healthcare where you get to help people every day? Maybe a career as an automotive technician or a healthcare worker is right for you.
At Porter and Chester Institute, you could train to be an automotive technician in as little as 12 months, or choose to pursue a career as a dental assistant or medical assistant and complete your career training in as little as 9 months. The demand for both dental and medical assistants is expected to be much faster than average through 2022. All of these jobs are considered middle skills occupations. Do you have what it takes to fill the gap?
Contact us today at 1-800-870-6789 to schedule a school tour at one of our nine campuses in Connecticut and Massachusetts.
