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The trade shortage is a global problem.
 
It's not just here in the U.S. Employers around the world are finding it hard to
recruit enough skilled trade workers - harder than any other field. The latest  Talent Shortage Surveyby ManpowerGroup that was just released sampled more than 42,000 employers in 43 countries and found more than 40% are experiencing difficulty finding qualified workers in various categories. Skilled trades were cited as the most difficult positions to fill for the 5th consecutive year in both North America and worldwide.

Although the survey doesn't delve into the reasons for the skilled trade shortage, they likely are similar to the explanations most often offered here in the U.S. These include pressures from parents, peers and school counselors to go to college, coupled with the perception - often erroneous or exaggerated - that trade work is dirty, dangerous and lacking in prestige.
Skilled trades were cited as the most difficult positions to fill for the 5th consecutive year in both North America and worldwide.
Why should you care that trade employers in Asia or South America face the same difficulties as American trade contractors?

For one thing, it means that it's hard for U.S. employers to hire immigrants to fill the skilled trades gap. There aren't enough of them to flood our markets and drive down labor rates. That spells more job opportunities and earning power for home-grown skilled trade workers.
 
The survey also turned up some interesting findings about how employers are adjusting to the shortages. The most popular tactic is training and developing workers in-house, followed by recruiting from outside the available talent pool. They are also offering higher salaries and benefits.
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Here are the top 10 occupations in short supply around the world, according to the Manpower survey, in order:
 
1. Skilled trades
2. IT staff (computer programmers,    database managers, etc.)
3. Sales reps
4. Engineers
5. Manufacturing technicians
6. Truck drivers
7. Accountants and financial analysts
8. Executives and managers
9. Production machine operators
10. Office support staff (administrative  assistants, secretaries, etc.)