Job Seeker Survey Reveals Significant Challenges Ahead

    RALEIGH, NC, May 02, 2013 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Much has been reported about the workforce across the U.S. lacking the skill sets businesses need to compete in a global economy. And now in a newly released survey report, because of these "skill gaps," businesses say they can't fill job openings, while job seekers report there are not enough job opportunities to choose from that will pay the bills.

This 2013 North Carolina JobSeeker Survey report sponsored by the North Carolina Association of Workforce Development Boards, surveyed over 5,000 job seekers from all 100 counties in North Carolina to gather information related to the challenges job seekers face when searching for gainful employment. This survey, along with the 2012 Skills Survey of North Carolina Employers, was conducted by the Business Services Representatives of workforce development boards statewide, and both surveys are available by visiting www.ncawdb.org.

The report highlights several key findings including that over 43% of jobseekers turned down job offers because of insufficient pay. This may indicate that there may be a level of "wage gap" along with the "skill gap" among the workforce in North Carolina. The information clearly demonstrates the amount of work needed to align the goals of each group before employers and job seekers can connect and put people back to work.

"Never before in recent history have we had the opportunity to change and improve the skill sets of the workforce, which in the long run could have a significant benefit on our states economy. We live in the greatest state and country on earth and have the finest workforce who has demonstrated their ability to change when change is needed. All they need now is the opportunity to receive new skill sets without barriers," says Wayne Rollins, Senior Business Services Specialist, with The Region Q Workforce Development Board.

The North Carolina Association of Workforce Development Boards is dedicated to enhancing North Carolina's workforce. Our business-led workforce development boards help meet local employer expectations for a strong, well-skilled workforce that drives regional economies by identifying and filling talent needs through skills assessment and training. For more information, please visit the NCAWDB website at www.ncawdb.org.

For more information about the 2013 North Carolina Job Seeker Survey, please contact:

Wayne Rollins
Senior Business Services Specialist
Region Q Workforce Development Board
1385 John Small Ave.
Washington, NC 27889
252-974-1821
[email protected]
www.ncawdb.org

We are dedicated to enhancing North Carolina's workforce as members of the North Carolina Association of Workforce Development Boards and also as members of unique regional organizations that collectively serve all of North Carolina's people: Workforce Development Boards. In both roles, we help advance the needs of workers and employers in North Carolina.

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