Chapter 6. Tomorrow’s Opportunities

Which sectors of the economy will be the engines of future employment growth and what will be required of the American workforce to fill those jobs?  These questions are on the mind of anyone contemplating potential education and career paths.

The answer to these questions has always rested on the dynamic and diverse nature of the U.S. economy. The aging of the population; the drive towards more sophisticated production techniques; the increasing globalization of trade; and the continued long-term shift from goods-producing to service-providing employment are the main drivers behind future job opportunities.

These trends suggest that the American workforce continues to be responsive to changing education and training requirements.  Today, and increasingly in the future, a solid education foundation, including completion of post-secondary courses or degrees, is needed to compete successfully in the job market.

Tackling these hurdles is today’s highly skilled, adaptive, and proud workforce.  These hallmarks will serve the American workforce well as it meets the challenges that unfold in the future.

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