Technology to be the leader in employment growth

The outlook for the most promising jobs during the next decade is definitely high tech.

The Colorado Department of Labor says that the need for computer support specialists will grow the most between now and 2014. Employment in graphic design is expected to grow faster than average and

The department also is predicting there will be a greater need for workers in biotechnology, health care, financial services, homeland security and information technology.

"Certainly Colorado Springs is high-tech oriented," said Jim Kynor, the manager of business relations at the Pikes Peak Workforce Center. "Information technology cuts across all industries."

It is not about sitting in a cubicle, he said, it's about people creating what ultimately will be used to save our lives.

"There will be those who go with the Intels, Atmels or Agilents of the world, but others require that same capability," he said. "Insurance companies, banks and financial institutions (all) have state of the art technology."

The University of Colorado at Colorado Springs is interested in growing bio-technology businesses in the Pikes Peak region.

"I'd like to see our graduates form new companies - grow our own economic base with companies that are truly invested in Colorado Springs," said Jeremy Haefner, dean of the university's College of Engineering. "I'd like to see companies that address sustainability. How we can be more efficient, more environmentally sound."

Haefner said that because technology has transformed the global marketplace, it's important to study how engineering is done in other countries, and not just at the university level.

"We are losing some of our capabilities as they move overseas and our science/engineering graduates are dropping," he said. "We need to do a better job of integrating engineering into the curriculum."

One way UCCS is working to establish an engineering basis for K- 12 students is through Project Lead the Way, Haefner said. Another program that brings a new set of innovative skills to the marketplace is STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics).

"We also need to prepare our work force to be innovative by finding ways to bring more products to the marketplace," Haefner said.

Shelley Davidson, a recruiter at Intel, said her company looks people who have degrees in material science, physics, engineering, computer science, finance and accounting.

She expects manufacturing and information technology will grow the most in Colorado Springs during the next few years.

Davidson said that the most valuable expertise a person can have is the "ability to troubleshoot problems and solve them, and the ability to work on a team."

On the financial services front, companies are focusing on baby boomers, and not just as clients. The number of Americans over age 65 is expected to grow to 40.2 million by 2010, and to 71.5 million by 2030.

"One interesting trend could be baby boomers who are working longer, looking at second careers or part-time opportunities and how they could fit in with the opportunities we offer over the long run," said Debbie Weaver, a recruiter at T. Rowe Price.

Kynor also sees the boomers as having a positive effect on the future work force, providing training to new workers and even starting their own companies.

Top College Majors,

Coursework For Jobs Of The Future

Accounting: New and complex accounting laws are creating high demand for these professionals. Forensic accountants are especially coveted. Jobs will be plentiful with large, medium and small accounting firms, public and private companies, and in federal state and local government. Skills will also be valuable for anyone with entrepreneurial aspirations. By 2014, nearly 270,000 new accounting jobs will be created.

Physical Therapy: The aging population of baby boomers will create high demand for these workers during the next four decades. Jobs will be available in hospitals and rehabilitation firms. There could also be opportunities for in-home specialists. The number of physical therapy jobs will grow by 56,000 between now and 2014.

Engineering: Many employers are already decrying the shortage of skilled workers in the engineering professions. Opportunities abound for those with the technology skills and the desire to keep learning throughout one's career. There exists a wide variety of engineering specialties, such as construction or civil engineering, mechanical engineering, industrial engineering and geological engineering. The economy will add nearly 200,000 engineering jobs by 2014.

Foreign Language(s): Those speaking Chinese and other Asian languages are in demand. Jobs as translators will expand by nearly 10,000 by 2014. However, this represents just a sliver of where foreign language skills are needed. Being multilingual will pay off in marketing, finance, banking, trade, social services, education, health care and engineering.

International Relations: A global economy makes it necessary to learn the cultures, political systems, consumer habits and business traditions of foreign countries. Coursework in this area will be in demand in marketing, management consulting, banking and finance, politics and law.

Speech/Acting: Not just for aspiring thespians and even future politicians - presentation skills will pay dividends in business, engineering, information technology, retail, sales and marketing, politics, law, management consulting, etc.

Source: Challenger, Gray & Christmas Inc.

Hot jobs in Colorado Springs

JobsAverage wage

Multi-media artists & animators$46,170

Child, family, & school social workers$44,260

Graphic designers$43,100

Automotive service technicians & mechanics$42,420

Medical secretaries$41,100

Licensed practical & licensed vocational nurses$39,110

Emergency medical technicians & paramedics$35,520

Fitness trainers & aerobics instructors$34,410

Substance abuse & behavioral disorder counselors$31,860

Medical records & health information technicians$31,130

Source: www.coworkforce.com/lmi/WRA/HotGrowth.asp