White House Report: "Worker Flexibility" is Key
While the study cites the historic resilience of the U.S. economy, it warns "the growth path may not look the same as that envisioned before the recession."
The study indicates the best job prospects are in "the already-expanding health care sector" and environmental occupations. It says those fields are growing at a faster rate than the overall economy, creating white collar and blue collar openings.
Not surprisingly, the administration's report pins hopes for economic gains on the $787 billion stimulus package. It continues to project saving or creating 3.5 million jobs by the fourth quarter of next year. It says near term recovery could be helped by "pent-up" demand by consumers.
The report forecasts moderation in the decades-long decline in manufacturing jobs. It predicts job creation in the aerospace and pharmaceutical industries. It says the construction industry will "eventually recover" and add more jobs in the coming decade.
White House economists say occupations that hire workers with post-secondary education and training are growing faster than other fields. The report by the Council of Economic Advisers also points to "an expected shift towards jobs that require workers with greater analytical and interactive skills." The report calls for "a comprehensive strategy" to create strong, effective education and training programs.
The full report can be found here.
