New Paper Identifies Risks of Not Adapting to Changing Workforce
The Bay Area is known worldwide as a hub for innovation and strong economic growth. As economic innovation continues to change demands on our workforce, it is important to anticipate changes in future jobs and develop a plan that maintains economic vitality in the region. The Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) and Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) recently released their Perspective Paper on “The Future of Jobs” in the Bay Area>>, with input provided by the Bay Area Council Economic Institute.
The report hones in on key findings related to technological, organizational, compensation, and locational changes in the workforce of the future. ABAG and MTC estimate 36 percent of Bay Area workers are in the category of jobs at highest-risk for automation given current technology, with most of these workers possessing a high school diploma or less than a college education. These workers comprise a diverse population within the Bay Area workforce, and must be upskilled and retrained to meet changing workforce demands. As the “The Future of Jobs” expresses, coordination of diverse stakeholders will be an important part of addressing future changes in the workforce: “The Association of Bay Area Governments and Metropolitan Transportation Commission are excited to coordinate resources with the Bay Area Council to ensure current and future workers are prepared for changes in workforce demands. Input from business leadership will play a central role in training workers with the skills they need to succeed in future jobs.”
The Council’s Workforce of the Future Committee is focused on integrating more business input into the Bay Area’s educational system, as well as upskilling and retraining displaced workers for new skillsets employers need—points underscored in “The Future of Jobs”. As the Bay Area continues to prepare for economic changes brought on by innovation throughout the region, the Bay Area Council is focused on leveraging opportunities for diverse populations—ensuring the Bay Area is the best place to live and work for years to come. For more information on our Workforce of the Future Committee, please contact Senior Vice President Linda Bidrossian.
