1. Introduction

We are conducting a short (12 question) survey regarding Professional & Business Services career pathways with area employers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Professional & Business Services category consists of these three industry sectors:

a) Professional, Scientific, & Technical Services (NAICS 54),
b) Management of Companies & Enterprises (NAICS 55), and
c) Administrative & Support, and Waste Management & Remediation Services (NAICS 56).

Current labor market data in the greater Seattle & King County area project that these industries -- and the careers in them -- will grow significantly over the next 5-10 years. Since demand for the jobs in these sectors will be high, so will the need for trained workers. The highest projected growth is in jobs that require some college, but not necessarily a 4 year degree. This, along with continued high growth in technological tools on the job, point to a demand for community college training and education programs that better meet labor market need.

This survey is part of area workforce development organizations' objectives to learn more about current and future business competency needs so that training is relevant and streamlined.

There are several current local workforce development projects focusing on the Professional & Business Services sectors. They include programs that prepare students for administrative support roles in general office positions within insurance, finance, information technology, health care, sales and marketing, accounting, and trade & logistics. The focus is on community-college short term certificates in office technologies training (which “roll up” into the first year of a 2 yr business degree) and more advanced certificates/AAS degrees in Business and the opportunity to specialize in:

A) Global Trade & Logistics
B) Supply Chain Management
C) International Business
D) Marketing/Sales
E) Supervision & Management
F) Project Management
G) Business Technology

This survey consists of 12 questions and will take no more than fifteen minutes to complete.

Are you ready to begin?

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* 1. Business Name

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* 2. Primary Industry

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* 3. Name of Person Answering Questions

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* 4. Position of Person Answering Questions

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* 5. How would you describe the economic strength and outlook of your business right now?

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* 6. What percentage of your organization consists of jobs that fit the category of Professional & Business Services?

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* 7. For which of the following position groups do you plan to hire in the in next year? (Select all that apply)

  Openings: 1-3 4-6 7-9 10+
Office Clerical/Administrative Support/Reception
Customer Service/Sales/Call Center
Bookkeeper/Accounting/Auditing/Payroll Support
Shipping/Purchashing/Procurement/Logistics Support
Information/File & Records/Data Entry Clerks
IT/Business Information Support
Medical Clerical/Patient Reps
Human Resources Support

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* 8. What is the minimum amount of education or training your organization requires for each of the positions you selected?

  HS Dipl/GED Some college, no credential AA/AAS BA/BS MA/MS
Office Clerical/Administrative Support/Reception
Customer Service/Sales/Call Center
Bookkeeper/Accounting/Auditing/Payroll Support
Shipping/Purchashing/Procurement/Logistics Support
Information/File & Records/Data Entry Clerks
IT/Business Information Support
Medical Clerical/Patient Reps
Human Resources Support
Other

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* 9. Please specify any special certificates or training that are necessary for success in the the jobs listed.

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* 10. What two things you would like to see job candidates be able to demonstrate during the hiring process that would make them more competitive?

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* 11. What advice would you give to those at the community college who are creating a training program for these positions?

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* 12. Would you be willing to support area workforce development efforts in one of the following ways?

  Yes No Undecided
Sign a letter of support for a Dept. of Labor Workforce Grant?
Recruit incumbent workers for enrollment in training?
Host internships?
Serve on an advisory board?

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* 13. Notes:

T