Introduction
The labor market remains in a constant state of fluctuation as employers continue to respond and adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in growing uncertainty among educators and jobseekers regarding in-demand occupations and competencies. Although our annual talent demand report remains a crucial component of Talent 2025’s effort to catalyze and align the talent system in West Michigan, now more than ever, timely and reliable data and analysis on the current and forecasted talent needs of the regions’ employers is critical for employers and leaders in education and workforce development. This is why we’ve forgone the annual version of our Talent Assessment and Outlook report in lieu of more timely, quarterly reports highlighting trends as they emerge in our regional labor market.
We hope these quarterly reports are beneficial to you and your organization, whether you are an employer, education or training institution, or community organization. We also hope it generates action on the part of every stakeholder across the region to work together to attract, retain, and develop the talent we need to make West Michigan a top region for talent.