Teachers, health professionals top list of in-demand jobs

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In these difficult economic times, many of us have struggled with making tough decisions and choosing the best course of action. Making these tough choices would be a lot easier if we knew what the outcome would be from the beginning. As they say, "hindsight is 20/20."|ret||ret||tab|

Since gazing into a crystal ball and predicting the future is out of the question, it is prudent to arm ourselves with as much information and data as possible so that we can make the best choices, both personally and professionally. |ret||ret||tab|

Some new information is available to job-seekers through the Department of Economic Development. Unfortunately, many Missourians have had to look for employment after losing their jobs as a result of the tough labor market. A new report, prepared by the department's Economic Research and Information Center, is called Job Outlook 2008 and lists Missouri's top occupations for each of our state's economic regions. |ret||ret||tab|

The report is full of important information and is available at the perfect time, either for displaced workers, recent college graduates or anyone looking to switch occupations. The report is also valuable for our schools, as it helps students gauge what careers may be best for them and for Missouri's employers as they plan for the future. |ret||ret||tab|

Job Outlook 2008 lists occupations expected to have the greatest number of openings in Missouri, the educational and experience requirements for those occupations, and the typical salary range of those occupations. The information is based on the latest projections for Missouri through 2008 and is broken out by region so that job-seekers may see which occupations are expected to see the most growth in their particular area. |ret||ret||tab|

Overall, the top industries that are expected to have the most openings in Missouri by 2008 are educational services, eating and drinking establishments, personnel supply services, local government, hospitals and computer services. Industries such as medical offices, nursing facilities and recreation services are also projected to have numerous job openings. |ret||ret||tab|

In short, the jobs that are expected to be the most available include teachers at both the secondary and elementary levels and any of those in the health profession. Sales positions, office positions and specific positions in the hospitality industry, such as food-preparation workers, cashiers and servers, are also expected to be more plentiful in the coming years. |ret||ret||tab|

The report classifies occupations into categories that require specific education or work experience. Top occupations that will be in demand and require more than a high-school diploma include teachers, registered nurses, general managers, system analysts, auto mechanics, computer sup-port specialists and health professionals. |ret||ret||tab|

Job Outlook 2008 provides useful information and the Missouri Career Centers can help job-seekers implement this information and use it to their best advantage. |ret||ret||tab|

The career centers, which are administered through the Department of Economic Development's Division of Workforce Development, are located throughout the state and offer free career counseling and job placement services. These services include preparing resumes, improving interviewing skills and job search methods. Staff members can also help you determine what specific training you need to change jobs or if your abilities and interests are suited to a particular occupation. More information can be accessed at www.greathires.org. |ret||ret||tab|

|bold_on|(Joseph L. Driskill is the director of the Missouri Department of Economic Development). |ret||ret||tab|

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