The Metro Atlanta Chamber (MAC) recently released its 2023 Talent Supply Report, a comprehensive look at the workforce across Georgia and its relationship to higher education. The report is the fourth edition in six years and examines the degrees conferred by Georgia universities and the open jobs requiring those degrees (Hint: Not great news for liberal arts education devotees). The research identifies gaps and opportunities and provides recommendations for improving the workforce.
“This research and analysis is one piece of a long-term, multi-pronged strategy to grow and develop metro Atlanta’s skilled talent pool,” said Katie Kirkpatrick, president and CEO of the Metro Atlanta Chamber. “This report equips our staff, partners and stakeholders with critical, actionable information around crucial gaps and opportunities in our state’s workforce. Because of the information contained in this report, we know where we need to focus our efforts.”
The rapid growth of the metro Atlanta region – both economically and in population, does not necessarily equate to a one for one job-matching scenario. The workforce moves with the force of economic trends but is not necessarily keeping pace. The report from MAC looks to inform policymakers, educators, workers and students to match current and future trends.
Covid threw a wrench in the numbers but the trends are roughly continuing regarding growth and sector expansion. The supply of qualified workers is up since the report began in 2017 but is having trouble keeping pace with job openings, which nearly doubled from 2017-2021. To no surprise for job seekers, even entry-level jobs are now accompanied with the “prior work experience” required in the job description. In what is likely a further blow to History or English majors and other liberal arts degrees, the report notes: “The days of simply saying ‘any education will lead to success’ are long gone.” (Covid-era numbers are not yet included in reports but data from the U.S. Department of Education showed History degrees are down more than a third since 2012 and the lowest number awarded since the 1980s, an era when college was still not viewed as near-mandatory.)
The report is also undoubtedly a marketing asset for the region, noting the metro region is home to 31 Fortune 500/1000 headquartered here, with more than 200 Inc. 5,000 startups, the top state for doing business 10 years in a row and the fifth highest moving destination in the country. Additionally, the region is home to 57 colleges and universities, including four top HBCUs.
“While there is more work to be done, momentum for positive change and continued economic growth in our state continues,” said Dr. Jerry Parrish, chief economist at the Metro Atlanta Chamber. “With a grounding in data and better practices and an eye on future industry growth and talent needs, Georgia will continue to strengthen its position as a national and global economic leader.”
To see the full report: https://www.metroatlantachamber.com/built-for-business/talentsupplyreport/
