Governor’s Workforce Investment Board Releases First Annual Indicators Report

BALTIMORE (December 12, 2008) – In an effort to provide business leaders and policy makers with critical information about significant trends and patterns affecting Maryland’s workforce, the Governor’s Workforce Investment Board has issued a new report, Maryland Workforce Indicators: 2008, that gathers Maryland-specific data from a wide variety of state and federal sources into a single, comprehensive document.

The Governor’s Workforce Investment Board (GWIB) assembled an array of relevant labor market information, education, and economic data into this inaugural report to present an overall profile that identifies noteworthy trends and measures the health of Maryland’s workforce, a critical issue for Maryland’s present and future businesses. Data collected for this report were taken from well respected national and state sources that are published regularly, and were used to draw comparisons between Maryland, the nation, and other states.

“Over time, this annual report will reveal trends and patterns that will assist the GWIB, as well as business leaders and other workforce policymakers, as we work to develop policies and programs that will ensure Maryland’s continued strength and economic competitiveness in the 21st century,” GWIB Executive Director Eric Seleznow said.

Leading indicators show that despite the current recession and bleak national economic picture, Maryland’s prospects for long-term growth and competitiveness remain positive. This is supported by a stable pipeline of workers, a large proportion of workers with advanced degrees, and a highly engaged and educated immigrant population. In addition, Maryland’s public school system, noted for its high percentage of advanced placement students, contributes to the creation of a highly educated workforce that can support Maryland’s burgeoning science, security and technology industries.

“This report confirms that Maryland’s workforce is dynamic, leading many states in educational attainment, labor market participation rates, and earnings.” said William "Bill" Robertson, Chair of the Governor’s Workforce Investment Board and President & CEO of Adventist HealthCare, Inc. “While the recent economic crisis may impact this outlook, our strong workforce foundation positions Maryland well for the future.”

The report also describes challenges facing Maryland’s workforce, including filling the gap left by retiring workers, addressing out of state migration and reducing literacy and math remediation rates for students entering college. The data also show a significant population of untapped or underutilized workers who, with access to education and training, can access more opportunities and contribute even further to Maryland’s strong workforce foundation. These and other challenges contribute to an increasingly wide skills gap that leaves some employers unable to meet their workforce needs, and renders unskilled workers unable to secure family-sustaining employment. Proactively addressing these emerging trends will enhance Maryland’s already strong competitive edge, and its ability to attract and grow jobs and develop skilled workers.

To download a copy of the report please visit the GWIB website (PDF document, 874KB, download Adobe Acrobat for free).

The GWIB is the governor’s chief policy-making body for workforce development. The mission of the GWIB is to guide a nationally-recognized workforce development system that aligns with the economic and educational goals of the State of Maryland and results in a qualified workforce available to employers across the State. The GWIB brings together and focuses various workforce development partners and stakeholders on two key outcomes - a properly prepared workforce that meets the current and future demands of Maryland employers, and providing opportunities for all Marylanders to succeed in the 21st century workforce.

Contact:  Rachel Indek, 410-767-2982

Updated July 30, 2009