| Executive Summary 2006 Michigan Job Vacancy Survey
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Fast Facts
Michigan Economy
The Michigan economy has found it difficult to bounce back from the economic downturn of 2001 due in large part to the off-shoring of manufacturing jobs and the competitive challenges facing the domestic automotive industry, both which play vital roles in Michigan’s economic health. Since 2000, the peak year of employment in Michigan, the state has experienced six consecutive years of job loss, a trend that is expected to continue through 2007. One approach to address some of the issues facing Michigan is to better understand and align workforce supply with labor market demand. Demand side market information provides insight for the job seeker, educator and employer, allowing each to better prepare and take action in dealing with today’s changing labor environment.
Job Vacancies in Michigan’s Labor Market
The Bureau of Labor Market Information & Strategic Initiatives (BLMISI) conducted a survey in the spring/summer of 2006 on Michigan’s labor market. The objective was to collect information on Michigan’s job vacancies to better understand the demand side of the market and profile various characteristics of the open positions. The survey encompassed more than 8,600 employers statewide, segmented across 6 regions and 11 super sectors.
Questions addressed by this report
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Which jobs are in demand?
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What education and work experience levels are required?
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What benefits are attached to part-time/full-time job vacancies?
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Which jobs require the highest shares of workers with postsecondary training or education?
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What specific education level is required for job vacancies?
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Which jobs have long-term shortages of qualified help?
Key Findings
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Health related occupations in Michigan are most in demand and contribute more than 9,000 vacancies with a job vacancy rate of 2.6% or roughly three vacant positions for every 100 positions filled. For example, healthcare practitioners and technical occupations contribute more than 4,000 vacancies and offer a median hourly wage of $22.00 an hour.
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Employers rarely offer benefits to part-time positions. Less than one-quarter of all part-time vacancies are offered any benefits. Part-time jobs that offer benefits are: public health assistants, speech therapy assistants, weight reduction specialists, school bus drivers, and lifeguards.
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Postsecondary training or education is required in nearly 30% of the open positions with six major occupational fields such as engineering, managerial and administrative, education, computer and healthcare requesting two-thirds or more of the vacancies specifying various levels of postsecondary education.
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The top five occupations with a major share of their vacancies requiring vocational training or an associate’s degree include: Healthcare Practitioners and Technical; Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media; Personal Care and Service; Healthcare Support; and Installation, Maintenance, and Repair.
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