State Seeks Answers To Business, Workforce Needs

OFFICE OF GOVERNOR DAVE FREUDENTHAL
June 28, 2006

Contact: Public Relations Manager Shelli Stewart
Department of Workforce Services
Office 307.777.6911

CHEYENNE, Wyo. - Gov. Dave Freudenthal's office, the Wyoming Workforce Development Council and the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services will soon begin the "Wyoming Workforce Analysis for Future Investment," a study of Wyoming's workforce intended to help form solutions to meet the ever-changing demands of Wyoming businesses.

Freudenthal included the $200,000 study in his 2007-08 biennium budget request for the Department of Workforce Services.

"Recent unemployment numbers show that job seekers in Wyoming are largely successful in finding work," Freudenthal said. "But employers are short of trained, skilled workers, and that shortage is one of the most pressing issues facing small and large businesses today. This study is
the first step in identifying those needs to the benefit of both employers and employees, and I would encourage residents to participate."

As part of the study, two surveys will be launched in coming weeks. The first, which will run July 10-16, will gather information from area residents regarding worker demographics, needs and trends. It will be conducted in person across the state at local supermarkets and other stores. The Wyoming Department of Workforce Services Web site, at www.wyomingworkforce.org, will have a schedule of when and where it will be conducted.

The second survey will solicit information from employers centered on a range of workforce considerations, including businesses' current and projected job vacancy gap and skill gap. A questionnaire will be mailed to a small sampling of business from a range of communities and
industries. However, any business interested in responding is encouraged to participate and can do so online at the Workforce Services' Web site. It will be open to responses from July 10-Aug. 14.

"In order for this study to answer the questions most pertinent in identifying the critical solutions, the Department of Workforce Services needs the help of employers and citizens across the state," Kathy Emmons, department director, said. "We are asking Wyoming citizens to watch for and participate in the confidential workforce survey when it comes to their local area. Businesses can also go to our Web site and respond to the survey about their workforce needs. The results of the surveys will give us a foundation from which demand-driven workforce solutions can be developed."

Both surveys are being conducted by The Wadley-Donovan Group, of Springfield, N.J. and Younger Associates of Jackson, Tenn.

For more information regarding the Wyoming Workforce Analysis for Future Investment and to watch its progress, please visit the Department of Workforce Services Web site or contact Pamela Downing at (307) 777-6271.