/>iLast week, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released its 2012 Occupational Outlook Handbook, which identifies the next decade’s fastest and largest growing occupations and offers some insights into the characteristics of these jobs. To help create an economy that is built to last, the Department of Labor is working to ensure employers have access to the skilled workforce they need to fill jobs in fast- growing occupations.
According to BLS, industries and occupations related to health care, personal care and social assistance, and construction are projected to have the fastest job growth between 2010 and 2020. The handbook highlights the top 20 occupations with the highest projected numeric change in employment.
| OCCUPATION | GROWTH RATE, 2010-20 | 2010 MEDIAN PAY PER YEAR |
|---|---|---|
Personal Care Aides |
|
$19,640 |
Home Health Aides |
|
$20,560 |
Biomedical Engineers |
|
$81,540 |
Helpers–Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, and Tile and Marble Setters |
|
$27,780 |
Helpers–Carpenters |
|
$25,760 |
Veterinary Technologists and Technicians |
|
$29,710 |
Reinforcing Iron and Rebar Workers |
49% |
$38,430 |
Physical Therapist Assistants |
|
$49,690 |
Helpers–Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters |
|
$26,740 |
Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners |
|
$45,260 |
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers |
|
$64,380 |
Occupational Therapy Assistants |
|
$51,010 |
Physical Therapist Aides |
|
$23,680 |
Glaziers |
|
$36,640 |
Interpreters and Translators |
|
$43,300 |
Medical Secretaries |
|
$30,530 |
Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists |
|
$60,570 |
Marriage and Family Therapists |
|
$45,720 |
Brickmasons and Blockmasons |
|
$46,930 |
Physical Therapists |
|
$76,310 |
Through the Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training (TAACCCT) Grant Program, the department awarded $500 million in grants to community colleges for job training and workforce development. This is the first of a $2 billion installment to invest in continuing education.There are also a number of higher paying jobs that are projected to grow over the next decade; most of these jobs require an advanced degree, and many also require an Associate’s degree. This is why the administration and the department are investing in community college partnerships that will create opportunities for trainees for these kinds of high growth jobs.
This initiative is about providing access to training that leads to real jobs. These federal grants will enable community colleges, employers and other partners to prepare job candidates, through innovative programs, for new careers in high-wage, high-skills fields, including advanced manufacturing, transportation, health care and STEM occupations.
A few weeks ago, I was on the road with Dr. Biden to announce the $8 billion Community College to Career Initiative that would allow for those partnerships to spread more broadly and help employers satisfy their skill needs.
The department also has a number of proven resources for those looking to work in these sectors of growth. Within DOL’s suite of electronic tools, jobseekers can access My Next Move, My Next Move for Veterans, mySkills myFuture, and O*NET online, all of which are equipped with icons highlighting “Bright Outlook” or high-demand occupations. Job-seekers are also provided with easily accessible information on “green” occupations and those which have associated Registered Apprenticeship programs.
While the economy continues to recover, the department and administration are working to help the nation re-train, re-engage, and re-apply for the jobs of the next generation.
Visit http://www.careeronestop.org/ to get more information on the jobs that have high growth potential.
