REPORT: Washington Roundtable, Partnership for Learning, and Kinetic West released a new report, Skill Up for Our Future, taking a deep dive into what Washington’s economy will look like through 2032 and where the opportunities and challenges lie for our workforce.
Key Findings:
- 1.5 million+ job openings are projected in Washington over the decade, and 75% will require postsecondary credentials.
- Bachelor’s and advanced degrees will be in highest demand — needed for 45% of openings — and continue to offer workers the greatest long-term wage premiums.
- The analysis identifies six industry clusters — advanced computing and technology, construction and skilled trades, healthcare, education, business and management, and clean technology — that will see concentrated growth in jobs that provide living wages, economic mobility, and fill critical workforce gaps.
- Unfortunately, we’re on track for a shortfall of nearly 600,000 credentialed workers, including a significant gap in bachelor’s degrees, apprenticeships, and other key certifications.
The Workforce Challenge: This report makes it clear: we’re not producing enough credentialed workers to meet future job demands. Washington needs a full-scale effort to build both supply and demand for the degrees, apprenticeships, and industry certifications that will drive Washington’s future.
Five Recommendations:
- Implement an “all of the above” strategy to increase bachelor’s degree production.
- Promote high-value, high-demand credentials from community and technical colleges.
- Focus training and credential production on occupations of highest need.
- Support employer-led training.
- Leverage K-12 as an engine for credential attainment and skills training.
What’s Next?
This report is a call to action. Washington’s education and training systems must evolve to boost enrollment and support more students and adults through credential completion and career transitions. Efforts should prioritize pathways to jobs that benefit workers, meet employer needs, and maximize Washington’s economic potential. It’s going to take a collective effort from all of us to prepare Washingtonians for the jobs and opportunities ahead.
