Introduction

A pervasive disconnect exists between the job/career culture and the present economic reality in America. This book offers powerful strategies for stemming the employment crisis and proposes comprehensive solutions for businesses, government, and job seekers alike.

America's low unemployment rate overshadows the fact that more than 20 million Americans are still unemployed. Moreover, more than eight million jobs are vacant because employers cannot find qualified candidates. It is projected that if this imbalance between available positions and skills is not quickly addressed, more than 14 million jobs will be vacant by 2020, and many more people will be out of work.

About the Book

In Future Jobs, historical economist Edward E. Gordon explains how increasingly complex technologies, global demographic shifts, and outdated education-to-employment systems are converging and may imminently cause a labor-market crisis. How can we ensure that enough people possess the skills necessary to hold the jobs of today and tomorrow? This book points to a solution gaining traction across the United States: Regional Talent Innovation Networks (RETAINs), alliances of businesses, educators, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations that successfully bridge the talent gap. Additionally, it provides information on the most promising jobs and careers of the next decade for early-career job seekers and for workers who are looking to change career paths.