Nassau County Economic Development Board
Nassau County Economic Development Board
David Emmons, Director of Business Expansion
More STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) jobs are being created today by U.S. Fortune 1000 companies than non-STEM jobs, according to a recent Bayer Corporation survey. Yet, these positions continue to be unfilled. Why?
Of the 150 companies surveyed, just over half (55 percent) report finding adequate numbers of qualified candidates with two-year STEM degrees and only half (50 percent) found qualified four-year degree holders in a timely manner. Recruiters at these companies also report seeing fewer female job applicants than men. There is still a perception the STEM jobs of today are similar to those of years past, while in reality the skill levels needed for today’s STEM jobs are highly technical, and more advanced than ever.
Having many unfilled positions, these companies, both STEM and non-STEM related fields, are beginning to struggle with the overwhelming evidence that STEM degrees are scarce and are starting to affect their business. Reported effects of unfilled positions are lower productivity, limits to business growth, and a loss in revenues.
The Nassau County Economic Development Board has taken an active role in reengaging students and business leaders in the types of careers STEM degrees can offer. With hopes of winning the war on talent that is being waged across the country, NCEDB’s Business Expansion and Workforce Development committee is working hard to ensure that Nassau County is poised to meet these current and future demands for STEM degrees. One strategy employed is to involve the business community in better aligning our educational efforts with workforce needs. These activities will result in increased enrollment in career training programs, increased certification of graduates and a better educated student population.
Advisory Councils are being formed in areas of advanced manufacturing; educational and health services; financial services; information technology; leisure and hospitality; retail; and trade, transportation and utilities. NCEDB is currently seeking volunteers in these industries to guide our efforts. If you are interested in serving on any of these councils, please contact me at [email protected]. Let’s work on building a strong workforce for our Nassau Tomorrow.
To keep up on the progress of the Nassau Tomorrow five-year strategy, visit www.nassautomorrow.com.
November 2, 2013 10:27 a.m.