The Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce and WorkPlus Employer Survey contacted employers in healthcare, manufacturing, IT, and banking/finance. Responses showed in-demand skill sets include high school diplomas, STNA certification, welding experience, and soft skills. Some employers downsized in the past year. Employers assess qualifications during hiring and plan to invest, expand space, and provide training next year. Recommendations include more soft-skill training, emphasizing education benefits, and adding career training to school curriculums.

1. Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce and WorkPlus Employer Survey

2. Harris Selectory Business Contacts Healthcare: 60 contacted, 27 responses Manufacturing: 260 contacted, 86 responses IT: 40 contacted, 5 responses Banking/Finance: 25 contacted, 8 responses

3. Hiring

4. Skill sets and educational requirements in demand High school diploma or GED STNA Welding and operational experience Soft skills

5. Downsizing in the past 12 months

6. Do qualified employees exist in Clark County?

7. Assessments used in making hiring decisions

8. Retention

9. Advertising

10. Investing, Space, and Training Planning to invest money in the next year. Planning to expand or relocate space in next year. Planning additional training in the next year.

11. Recommendations for the future Implement more rigorous soft-skill training for job seekers. Show the benefits of education to laid-off workers and other job seekers. Encourage local employers to put higher value on education as well. Institute job-readiness and career training in the curriculum for Springfield City Schools.