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Workforce
Our
greatest asset is the educated, motivated responsible men and women
who make up the region's labor pool. Recent labor studies, completed
in 2004, show that the right workers are available here
- ready for the right opportunity.
- Under-employment
is a significant issue. 12,000 workers are waiting for openings
in their fields.
- Fargo-Moorhead
hosts more than 20,000 college students who are looking for career
opportunities.
- Employers
rate both entry-level employees and professional staff highly
in productivity and attitude.
2004 Workforce Report (PDF 299KB)
The following is a summary of characteristics of underemployed workers in
Cass and Clay County. This report was prepared in 2004 by The Pathfinders, Dallas, Texas.
| Underemployed Workers - Gender |
 |
Underemployed Workers - Age |
 |
Underemployed Workers - Education |
 |
Employment Skills of Underemployed Workers
The Fargo-Moorhead MSA Labor Shed (rounded) |
| Skills* |
Number of Persons |
Percentage |
| Office/Data/Word Processing |
7,500 |
63% |
| Warehouse/Materials Handling |
3,700 |
31% |
| Manufacturing/Assembly/Fabrication |
3,600 |
30% |
| Machining/Welding/Other Industrial Machines |
1,900 |
16% |
| Telecommunications |
3,300 |
28% |
| Technician/Quality Assurance |
3,200 |
27% |
| Maintenance |
3,100 |
26% |
| Electronics/Engineering |
1,100 |
9% |
| * Individuals polled may have experience and/or skills
in more than one job classification. |
|
Desired Wage Rates of Underemployed Workers
Per Hour by Rage |
 |
Percent of Employers Rating the Fargo-Moorhead MSA Total Workforce
|
| Category |
Excellent |
Good |
Fair |
Poor |
| Availability of Skilled Workers |
12% |
35% |
35% |
18% |
| Availability of Unskilled Workers |
15% |
55% |
18% |
12% |
| Availability of Porfessional Workers |
24% |
47% |
24% |
5% |
| Availability of Technical Workers |
30% |
41% |
24% |
5% |
| Worker Productivity |
54% |
41% |
5% |
0% |
| Worker Reliability and Attitudes |
28% |
54% |
18% |
12% |
| Reading/Writing Competency |
18% |
77% |
5% |
0% |
| Calculations Competency |
18% |
70% |
12% |
0% |
|
Average Salary by Occupation
Median Wage Per Hr Fargo-Moorhead SMSA
| Computer
Programmers |
$17.89 |
| Drivers,
Truck light incl. delivery |
$
9.99 |
| First
Line Supervisors, office |
$14.52 |
| Machinists
|
$15.07 |
| Operators,
Computers |
$13.90 |
| Operators,
Pkg & Filling Machine |
$11.79 |
| Electric
Equipment Assemblers |
$13.90 |
Training
Customized training services through Minnesota State Community
and Technical College Moorhead focus on meeting the needs of
business and
industry.
Technical
training in welding, computer-aided drafting, electronics,
and healthcare
is available as well as organizational training in leadership and
total quality management.
The
Skills and Technology Center in Fargo also offers a variety of classes
to meet the needs of new or existing employees.
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