WHO WE ARE
Workforce development has been and will continue to be a priority for the Metro Atlanta Chamber. There is an inextricable link between grooming qualified talent and growing the economy in Atlanta and, more broadly, Georgia. Over time, we began to see anecdotal evidence suggesting a misalignment between employer demand and talent supply. This is consistently reflected in conversations among employers who are unable to fill select job openings. At the same time, educators, career counselors and policymakers have been asking why the state’s well-educated and trained talent isn’t finding suitable employment. With Accenture’s expertise, we set about to establish a baseline understanding by examining entry-level job openings through a qualitative and quantitative analysis of the Atlanta and Georgia marketplace. Because of this work, students and jobseekers have a resource to understand the pathways to opportunity.
View the “Education to Workforce Launch Event” Presentation
IT-related jobs such as Computer Systems Analysts and Software Developers draw the largest salaries among the top tier in-demand occupations. Demand for these jobs is also expected to grow faster than other occupations, followed by accountants and auditors.
Educators, parents and counselors supporting students and jobseekers also need this data to guide better academic and financial decisions. In addition, employers need this information so that they can begin evaluating their job descriptions to better reflect their needs with respect to credentials as well as core professional skills.
Reaching these audiences will require a strategic and concerted communications effort by the business community as well as our education systems and government partners.