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The Widening Gap Between Available Jobs and Skilled Workers

We have a talent disconnect — too few workers with the skills employers need. Right now, 51% of South Carolina’s jobs require middle-skilled workers, yet only 29% of the workforce is qualified as middle-skilled. Download our HOT JOBS of the Future brochure.

HOT JOBS of the Future 

For our local economy to continue to grow and flourish, tomorrow’s opportunities cannot come to reality with yesterday’s skills.

Jim ReynoldsCEO, Total Comfort Solutions

Our local business and education leaders have identified some of the largest areas of talent needs in the Midlands. The following are jobs in which employers of the future will be seeking skilled workers an are predicted to have some of the largest growth expectancy through 2025. STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) encompass all career clusters but these four are expected to have the most job growth and opportunity in the Midlands.

Health Sciences

  • Athletic Trainers
  • Dental Hygienists
  • Dentist
  • Licensed Practical Nurses
  • Medical Records and Health Information Technologists
  • Nursing Assistants and Orderlies
  • Pharmacists
  • Pharmacy Technicians
  • Physical / Occupational Therapists
  • Physical Therapy Assistants
  • Physician Assistants
  • Physicians and Surgeons
  • Radiologic Technicians
  • Radiologic and MRI Technologists
  • Registered Nurses (RN)
  • Respiratory Therapists
  • Speech Pathologists
  • Surgical Technologists

Information Technology

  • Computer Hardware Engineers
  • Computer Network Architects
  • Computer Programmers
  • Computer Science Teachers — Post-Secondary
  • Computer Software Developers
  • Computer Support Specialists
  • Computer Systems Analysts
  • Computer and Information Research Scientists
  • Cyber Security Consultant
  • Information Security Analysts
  • Network and Computer Systems Administrators
  • Web Developers

Advanced Manufacturing

  • Aerospace Engineer Technicians
  • Aerospace Engineers
  • Chemical Operators
  • Chemical Technicians
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technicians
  • Health and Safety Engineers
  • Industrial Engineering Technicians
  • Industrial Engineers
  • Industrial Maintenance Technicians
  • Logisticians
  • Machinery Maintenance Mechanics
  • Tool and Die Makers
  • Quality Control Inspectors

Architecture and Construction

  • Architect
  • Carpenters
  • Civil Engineers
  • Concrete Finishers
  • Construction Managers
  • Crane Operators
  • Electrical and Electronics Engineers
  • Electricians
  • Electromechanical Technicians
  • HVAC Technicians
  • Mechanical Engineering Technicians
  • Mechanical Engineers
  • Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
  • Roofers
  • Welders, Cutters, and Solderers