Skilled trade jobs have been the hardest to fill for six consecutive years, according to the U.S. results of the latest Talent Shortage Survey conducted by Milwaukee-based ManpowerGroup.
The 10th annual survey included 41,748 employers in 42 countries and territories during the first quarter.
After skilled trade workers, the top 10 hardest jobs to fill in the U.S. were drivers, teachers, sales representatives, administrative professionals, management/executives, nurses, technicians, accounting and finance staff and engineers.
About 32 percent of U.S. employers have difficulties filling open positions due to skills gaps, the survey found. That’s down from 40 percent in 2014.
Almost half of American employers say talent shortages have a medium or high impact on their companies, but one in five is not taking steps to address the problem. Among the negative impacts employers reported due to talent shortages were: reduced competitiveness and productivity, increased employee turnover, higher compensation costs and reduced employee engagement/morale.
“Talent shortages are real and are not going away,” said Kip Wright, senior vice president, Manpower North America. “Despite impacts to competitiveness and productivity, our research shows fewer employers are trying to solve the problem through better talent strategies. As the struggle to find the right talent continues, and candidates with in-demand skills get the upper hand, employers will be under pressure to position themselves as ‘talent destinations’ to attract the best workers that will drive their business forward.”
