How Do We Diffuse or Slow Down Offshoring?

Projections are that in the 21st century, 60% of the new jobs will require skills held by only 20% of todays' workforce. ( Senator Lieberman )

In the report, by the Philadelphia Task Force on Workforce Development, warned that the skills base of the U.S. workforce will continue to erode without concerted efforts to train and retrain employees. Pressures from global competition, technological change, the pending retirement of the baby boomers create constant imbalances in the supply and demand for skills that our current workforce system is addressing inadequately. Local partnerships are key to helping communities, employers and employees confront these pressures. ( read more. )

There is a growing skills gap. More than 80% of manufacturers say they are having trouble finding qualified employees. Sixty percent of manufacturers typically reject half of all applicants as unqualified because of the lack of basic skill. Moreover, entry-level skills in manufacturing have become more sophisticated, requiring more education and training to get to the first rung. ( read more. )

By having an educated and the highest skilled workforce we can overcome the offshoring. By superior products, productivity. We have to invest into the people and technology. Education and skills training are a good start towards curbing offshoring. Investing in people and infrastructure are the keys.

Tom