Report gives grim picture of local workforce

HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) - A new report reveals the Pioneer Valley is facing major problems because of an aging, unskilled workforce.

The Labor Market Trends in the Pioneer Valley Region report showed 55% of the working population is 45 years of age and older. Many of them are set to retire starting in 2014. In addition, a little more than 10% of the population doesn't have a high school degree.

"The skills picture here is pretty dire.  There is a large number of folks who don't have a high school degree and a large number of folks with even just a high school degree," said Robert Clifford, a Policy Analyst at the New England Public Policy Center, which wrote the report.

Edward Leyden, President and CEO of Ben Franklin Design & Manufacturing in Agawam says the average age of his employees is 55 years old, and although there are several openings at the company, he is having difficulty finding qualified workers to fill positions.

"Most of the skills we are looking for are high science, high math skills, because computers are all over manufacturing now," said Leyden.

The health care field is also facing a grim future. A huge number of experienced nurses is about to retire in 2014, and finding their replacements could pose a challenge for places like Baystate Health.

"Our average experience for nurses right now is about nine years.  That is going to flip over in about five years where the majority of our staff may have less than three years of experience," said Patricia Samra, the Director of Clinical Workforce Planning and Finance at Baystate Health.

The good news is that the area boasts the largest number of public education institutions offering Associate's and Bachelor's degrees in the state.

The idea now is to align what employers need with higher education programs to ensure students get the right experience to help them get a job.