The Best Staffing Firms to Work For in 2012
MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA /PRNewswire/ ~ Staffing Industry Analysts, the global advisor on contingent work, announced today the winners of the 2012 Best Staffing Firms to Work for competition. Staffing Industry Analysts and its publication Staffing Industry Review sponsored the survey, which was conducted in conjunction with Quantum Workplace, an independent research firm specializing in employee engagement.
Nominations were received from staffing firms and the internal employees of nominated firms were surveyed from November 2011 through early January 2012. Over 140 companies participated in the survey. The results are presented by size of internal employees – staffing firms up to 50 employees; staffing firms 51 to 200 employees and staffing firms over 200 employees. New this year, Staffing Industry Analysts also surveyed temporary employees placed by these staffing companies and compiled the results. The winner was selected using Net Promoter Scores (NPS)® and is the company temporary employees most preferred to work for and were most likely to refer to a friend or colleague.
The winners and finalists in each category are as follows:
Staffing Firms – up to 50 employees
- LiquidAgents Healthcare – Winner
- Daley and Associates – Finalist
- eTeam, Inc. – Finalist
- The Start Group – Finalist
- Veritaaq – Finalist
Staffing Firms – 51 – 200 employees
- TekPartners/MedPartnersHIM – Winner
- Hire Dynamics – Finalist
- LaSalle Network – Finalist
- Medical Solutions, Inc. – Finalist
- Veredus – Finalist
Staffing Firms – over 200 employees
- Collabera Inc. – Winner
- CHG Healthcare Services ~ Finalist
- Express Employment Professionals – Finalist
- Roth Staffing Companies, L.P. – Finalist
- Signature Consultants – Finalist
Best Staffing Firm to Temp for
- Signature Consultants – Winner
- Collabera Inc. – Finalist
- Green Key Resources – Finalist
- Roth Staffing Companies, L.P. – Finalist
“We congratulate all of the winners and finalists. These firms truly represent not only a broad range of staffing companies and services, but based on the results, they exemplify great companies to work for. Given the importance of attracting and retaining top talent to success in staffing, this is an especially important honor for firms in the industry,” stated Barry Asin, President of Staffing Industry Analysts. ”We would also like to specifically congratulate Liquid Agents for their top rating in the up to 50 employee category two years in a row,” continued Asin.
For more information about Staffing Industry Analysts visit www.staffingindustry.com or contact Staffing Industry Analysts, Member Services, email memberservices@staffingindustry.com“>memberservices@staffingindustry.com.
About Staffing Industry Analysts
Staffing Industry Analysts is the global advisor on contingent work. Known for its independent and objective insights, the company’s proprietary research, award winning content, data, support tools, publications, and executive conferences provide a competitive edge to decision-makers who supply and buy temporary staffing. In addition to temporary staffing, Staffing Industry Analysts also covers related staffing service sectors. Founded in 1989, acquired by Crain Communications Inc. in 2008, the company is headquartered in Mountain View, California, with offices in London, England. For more information: www.staffingindustry.com.
Net Promoter, NPS, and Net Promoter Score are trademarks of Satmetrix Systems, Inc., Bain & Company, and Fred Reichheld.
SOURCE Staffing Industry Analysts
U.S. News & World Report ~ the Best Jobs of 2012 Rankings
WASHINGTON, DC /PRNewswire/ ~ U.S. News released today the first-ever edition of Best Jobs of 2012 rankings. Occupations are ranked according to one of five industries: business, creative services, healthcare, science & technology, and social services. There’s also a general rankings list that highlights the 25 Best Jobs across all five categories. The Best Jobs rankings and career profiles will be available exclusively at usnews.com/careers.
These rankings bolster the annual U.S. News Best Careers package, which previously spotlighted 50 high-opportunity professions based on job-growth projections from the Labor Department. By including rankings for the top professions, the Best Jobs of 2012 allows job seekers to better evaluate occupations that most appeal to their abilities and needs. New to the list are jobs like public relations specialist, paramedic, and executive assistant. The list includes several repeats from last year, including registered nurse, accountant, and civil engineer.
“Finding a job or planning a career is a job in itself,” said Brian Kelly, editor and chief content officer for U.S. News. “We’re trying to make it easier. We’ve pulled together the best available information to help our readers wade through an increasingly complicated job market and find the best path for them.”
Jobs were selected for our list based on the hiring demand expected for that profession from now until the year 2020, as determined by the Labor Department. Employment growth also factors into the overall score, as does average salary, job satisfaction, and the current unemployment rate within each industry. The profiles contextualize this information, and also include pointers from industry insiders on how to get hired, how to advance in the field, and what type of work environment to expect.
For more information on the Best Jobs of 2012 rankings, as well as a wealth of job search and career advice, please visit http://www.usnews.com/careers or find us on Facebook and Twitter.
Best Jobs 2012
To see the full rankings for each of our industries, visit the following pages:
- Best Business Jobs
- Best Creative Services Jobs
- Best Healthcare Jobs
- Best Science & Technology Jobs
- Best Social Services Jobs
About U.S. News & World Report
U.S. News & World Report is a multi-platform, digital publisher of news and analysis, which includes the digital-only U.S. News Weekly magazine, www.usnews.com, and www.rankingsandreviews.com. Focusing on Health, Money, Education, Travel, Cars, and Public Service/Opinion, U.S. News has earned a reputation as the leading provider of service news and information that improves the quality of life of its readers. U.S. News & World Report’s signature franchise includes its News You Can Use® brand of journalism and its “Best” series of consumer guides that include rankings of colleges, graduate schools, hospitals, mutual funds, health plans, and more.
SOURCE U.S. News & World Report
Web Site: http://www.usnews.com
Union Apprenticeship Programs ~ An Open Door to Some Very Good Jobs
by Bill Golden
CEO, IntelligenceCareers, Inc.
A common lament by employers is that they cannot find qualified tradesmen to fill highly skilled manufacturing or tradescraft positions.
Simply put: these people just do not wander in off the street. They do not usually graduate from local community colleges, and high schools with technical training programs only have time and resources to provide basic introductory training, sufficient to steering a student in the right direction. Due to budget constraints, many of these high school programs have been eliminated.
There is a way however to get solid training and experience in the skilled trades if you are willing to invest the time necessary to master the trades skills. Consider joining a union.
There are MANY apprenticeship programs offered by the unions: Just google the following: http://tinyurl.com/7gpskt5
Not everyone needs a college degree to make good money ~ BUT you do need certifiable skills. You MUST be demonstrably good at something with a specific skillset to offer to employers.
How do you get those skills?
To get these skills you could go to a community college and seek out an industry certification. Many community colleges link their curriculum to the local economy and with local businesses ~ where business is willing to partner by agreeing to hire students and to provide paid apprenticeships. Unfortunately these opportunities are rare as too many employers want skills to walk in off the street and to be ready to perform without any training or mentorship.
To learn these valuable skillsets you could also contact your local union.
Whether you like unions or not, unions may be your best bet for securing a good paying job because they will teach you the tradecraft and provide you a paycheck while doing so. They will help you find work where skilled craftsmen are needed.
Below is just one example out of many union apprenticeships that will lead to a good future with good pay because you took the time ~ and were given the opportunity to get experience and mentorship ~ in seeking out a better career opportunity than just opening a stack of books (which is not a bad plan if that is also of interest to you and your degree is in demand).
Most unions require that you apply in person for an apprenticeship.
Some unions require you to provide certain documents before you can apply, such as a copy of your high school diploma or GED certificate, along with a transcript of your grades. We suggest that you contact the unions directly to ask about their specific application dates and requirements.
===========
Just One Example of MANY
===========
Union Apprenticeship Programs – New England
http://www.northeastmetrotech.com/guidance/career-planning/union-apprenticeship-programs.html
Apprentice Programs in Asbestos, Boilermakers, Bricklayers, Carpentry, Electrical & Tele-communications, Electrical, Elevator Construction, Engineering – Hoisting and Portable, Floor covering, Ironworkers, Linemen, Mill and Machine Erectors, Painters, Pile drivers, Pipefitting, Plasterers and Cement Masons, Plumbing, Printing Pressman, Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Oil Burners, Roofing, Sheet Metalworking, Sprinkler Fitters, and Telecommunications.
There are MANY apprenticeship programs offered by the unions.
To find one in your area just google the following: http://tinyurl.com/7gpskt5
Tele-communications, Electrical, Elevator Construction, Engineering – Hoisting and Portable, Floor covering, Ironworkers, Linemen, Mill and Machine Erectors, Painters, Pile drivers, Pipefitting, Plasterers and Cement Masons, Plumbing, Printing Pressman, Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Oil Burners, Roofing, Sheet Metalworking, Sprinkler Fitters, Telecommunications Asbestos, Boilermakers, Bricklayers, Carpentry, Electrical & Tele-communications, Electrical, Elevator Construction, Engineering – Hoisting and Portable, Floor covering, Ironworkers, Linemen, Mill and Machine Erectors, Painters, Pile drivers, Pipefitting, Plasterers and Cement Masons, Plumbing, Printing Pressman, Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Oil Burners, Roofing, Sheet Metalworking, Sprinkler Fitters, Telecommunications unions, apprenticeships, jobs, starter careers, experience,
The Search Begins for America’s Outstanding Oldest Worker … Must be at least 100 years old
ARLINGTON, VA /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ ~ Experience Works, the nation’s largest organization serving older workers through the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), announces its search for America’s Outstanding Oldest Worker for 2012. The annual recognition, now in its 14th year, is part of a national effort to raise awareness of the contributions older individuals make in today’s workplace and provide inspiration to older workers seeking employment.
Nominees must be 100 years of age or older and working at least 20 hours each week in paid employment. The nomination form is available at www.experienceworks.org. Deadline for nominations is April 15, 2012.
“Experience Works is proud to sponsor the search for America’s Outstanding Oldest Worker,” said Billy Wooten, executive director of program operations for Experience Works. “We believe that people who are productive and active throughout their lives will have better health, increased longevity, and a more positive impact on their communities.”
Last year’s honorees were 102-year-old Dr. Hedda Bolgar, a practicing psychoanalyst from Los Angeles, California, and 101-year-old Mazerine Wingate, a postal worker from Lexington Park, Maryland.
Experience Works SCSEP operates in 30 states and Puerto Rico, providing community service, training, and employment opportunities for low-income adults age 55 and older. The program is highly effective in helping older workers get back into the workforce, maintain self-sufficiency, and age with dignity.
Contact: Susan Jackson, susan_jackson@experienceworks.org
SOURCE Experience Works
centenarian, Experience Works, SCSEP, Senior Community Service Employment Program, Virginia 2012, America’s Outstanding Oldest Worker, Arlington, centenarian, Experience Works, SCSEP, Senior Community Service Employment Program, Virginia
Have You Been Hired as an “Independent Contractor”? Your Proper Title May Be “Employee” ~ and You May Be Entitled to Overtime
BOCA RATON, FL /PRNewswire/ ~ In these tough economic times, employers are increasingly using another ploy to salvage their bottom line: misclassifying workers who are truly employees as independent contractors. By slapping the label of “independent contractor” on a worker it actually treats as an employee, an employer tries to avoid numerous obligations, including the legal requirement to pay overtime under the Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”).
According to Nancy Leppink, deputy director of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division, the practice of misclassifying workers is “more pervasive” than ever, and it has jumped from the construction and home building industry to restaurants, health care and government contractors. FedEx was recently found to have misclassified workers and paid millions to its drivers who were improperly classified as independent contractors.
Fortunately for workers, mere labels do not control their status as either an employee entitled to overtime wages or an independent contractor not entitled to overtime. That status is determined by the “economic realities” test, which looks at a number of factors, including the degree of control an employer exercises over a worker, including the time, place and manner of the performance of work, as well as the worker’s economic dependence on the employer.
According to Employment Law Attorney Gregg Shavitz of the Shavitz Law Group, if an employer determines what duties a worker is to perform; where, when and how he or she is to perform such duties; and provides the materials to perform such duties, then the worker likely is an employee – and is entitled to overtime wages for hours worked above 40 hours in a week. If the extent of the worker’s duties are such that there is no or limited opportunity to perform work for others, then that fact provides further indication that the worker is an employee. A true independent contractor has the ability to accept or decline work; determines when, where and how work is to be performed; provides the materials necessary to perform the work; and contracts directly with clients or customers.
Notably, the FLSA utilizes the broadest possible definition of employee, which means that even if a worker does not fall within the definition of an “employee” for some purposes – for example, state workers’ compensation benefits,- that same worker still may be considered an employee pursuant to the FLSA.
Avoiding the payment of overtime wages is only one reason an employer may misclassify an employee as an independent contractor. According to the Government Accountability Office (“GAO”), the IRS loses millions of dollars due to employees being misclassified as independent contractors. Avoidance of federal employment taxes, including payroll taxes, has become another motivation for misclassifying employees, as is the avoidance of paying other state and local benefits, such as unemployment compensation.
With deep cuts to their budgets, governments are looking for revenue sources and for companies misclassifying employees, this is not good news. Like the DOL, the IRS has made the issue of misclassification of employees a priority.
Recently, the IRS implemented an amnesty-type of program whereby employers who have misclassified employees as independent contractors may pay only a portion of their tax liability if they voluntarily reclassify “independent contractors” as employees. Notably, participation in this IRS program does not relieve an employer for other liabilities for misclassification, including overtime. Thus, if an employer avails itself of the IRS program and reclassifies former independent contractors as employees, then this indicates that the employer may owe unpaid overtime wages.
Further, if an employer fails to properly report wages to the IRS, an employee could file a private cause of action for actual or liquidated damages. In this instance, the district court has discretion to award attorney’s fees, requiring that the employer also pay the employee’s legal fees.
For employees, further investigation into the employer’s other obligations, including the requirement to pay overtime under the FLSA, may be warranted. “Workers who have worked more than 40 hours for an employer within one or more work weeks within the past three years but did not receive time-and-a-half wages for those overtime hours because they were classified as an independent contractor, may have been misclassified and may be owed overtime wages plus other penalties from the employer,” says Shavitz.
For more information about misclassification and workers’ rights, the Shavitz Law Group created the website www.helpingworkers.com.
Further questions can be answered by contacting Shavitz Law Group. This is a free community service provided by the law firm.
The Shavitz Law Group, P.A., founded in 1999, represents employees in thousands of unpaid overtime and minimum wage claims in both individual cases and collective/class actions in Florida and across the United States each year.
SOURCE Shavitz Law Group, P.A.
CONTACT: Gregg Shavitz
Web Site: http://www.helpingworkers.com
freelance, GAO, Government Accountability Office, independent contractor, IRS, overtime, Shavitz Law Group, U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division 1099, contractors, employee, Fair Labor Standards Act, FLSA, freelance, GAO, Government Accountability Office, independent contractor, IRS, overtime, Shavitz Law Group, U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division
The 5 Smartest Things People Can Do To Get Hired
MCLEAN, VA /PRNewswire/– Employers receive hundreds of applications in response to job openings, so it is imperative that you and your resume stand out from the crowd. Here are five surefire practices that will help you get your foot in the door.
Skip the objective statement – See editor note below
Instead of putting an objective statement at the beginning of your resume, create a job-specific, targeted introduction outlining your capabilities. Here, it is essential to avoid descriptions that could apply to a multitude of other job seekers. For example, drop lines like “I am people oriented,” and replace them with actual facts about your accomplishments. “Increased supplemental sales by 45% with widely recognized customer service abilities” says the same thing, but is both personal and illustrative of actual achievements. “Specifically, statistics and awards naturally distinguish you from other candidates because no one else can claim them as their own. When you include measurable accomplishments in your resume, you are demonstrating that you are a proven performer, and this gets the attention of hiring managers,” explains Alex Soto, a professional resume writer and career consultant.
Show what you can do
Successful job seekers show what they can do for an employer by relating their experiences in a way that is specifically tailored to an employer’s objectives, expectations and requirements. It may be your resume and experience, but your job search is definitely not about you. Understanding as much as you can about a potential employer is invaluable — thoroughly research the company and study the job description to ensure that your resume and cover letter are customized and reflect time and effort spent.
Make sure your resume reflects your experience level
If you are a recent graduate, your resume won’t, and shouldn’t be expected to, resemble someone’s with ten years of experience. A job seeker who has been a part of the workforce for a decade or more should focus heavily on achievements and progress. Someone just out of school, however, should concentrate on projects and accomplishments, and possibly some community, educational or sports activities. Do not attempt to pad your resume to make you look like someone you are not.
Express in writing why an employer should hire you
Why are you better than everyone else? Emphasize your strengths and don’t be afraid to mention your abilities. Just be careful how you phrase it. “A successful resume and cover letter should exhibit your track record as an achiever, not a doer. If you simply describe each job as a list of completed tasks, recruiters will write you off. A mere catalogue of duties does not communicate strength or value,” says Peggy Padalino of Jobfox.
Static expressions like ‘responsible for,’ ‘able to do,’ or ‘participated in’ are passive and reflect demonstrate a tendency to follow, not lead. Instead, communicate your achievements in a more dynamic manner, making use of proactive phrases like ‘chosen to lead…,’ ‘used knowledge of…’ or ‘played a key role in…’.
Be confident
The final, and most important thing you can do to get yourself hired is to exude confidence. Be secure and self-assured — without the right attitude, your chances of being hired diminish greatly. Although it’s natural (and generally recommended) to shy away from tooting your own horn, humility is not always productive when trying to get a job. If you want to get the job, you have to get noticed. The squeaky wheel gets the grease, as they say, so squeak on!
About Jobfox
Founded in 2005 in McLean, Virginia, Jobfox is a leading job search and career-networking site designed to find candidates the right jobs at the best companies. Through a comprehensive skills-based matching system, Jobfox connects thousands of employers to the most qualified individuals, as well as linking job seekers to relevant job opportunities in their fields. With over 1 Million resumes improved, Jobfox is also the largest provider of professionally written resumes online. For more information, visit www.jobfox.com
SOURCE Jobfox
Web Site: http://www.jobfox.com
USAJobZoo.com Editor Note: There has long been controversy about having an objective statement. If you are applying for a very specific position then we DO recommend that you have an objective statement which complements the job that you are applying for.
When it comes to defense industry jobs we ALWAYS recommend that you have an objective statement: I am seeking a junior/mid/senior level position as ____.
Despite marketing to the contrary, many companies do not hire you because you are a bright individual with a great education and potential. They hire you because you can perform a specific role or set of roles within their company. If your objective statement is tailored to the job and you are specific then we believe that it greatly increases your chance of getting to the right place in your career.
Virginia career advice, Jobfox, McLean, openings, practices, resume, Virginia
2012 Job Stress Report ~ 10 Most/Least Stressful Jobs
CARLSBAD, CA /PRNewswire/ ~ Enlisted Military Soldier earned the top spot as the nation’s most stressful job, while Medical Records Technicians ranked as the least stressful, according to the 2012 CareerCast.com Job Stress Report, an annual survey of 200 different professions that measures work environment, job competitiveness, risk and related factors.
The five most stressful jobs all involve peril and significant hazards. They include Firefighters, who often come in contact with poisonous gases and hazardous materials; Airline Pilots, who face potential terrorism and hazardous weather; Military Generals, who are responsible for the lives of their troops in battle; and Police Officers, who enforce laws and are tasked with catching criminals.
If a relaxed work environment is your goal, the five least stressful professions of 2012 are Medical Records Technicians, Jewelers, Hair Stylists, Dressmakers/Tailors and Medical Laboratory Technicians.
“If avoiding workplace stress is your primary goal, there are many attractive options,” says Tony Lee, Publisher, CareerCast.com. ”In fact, the most stressful job of 2012 pays about the same as the least stressful job, and the low-stress jobs are all indoors in comfortable environments. The high-stress jobs don’t share that benefit.”
CareerCast.com’s 10 Most Stressful Jobs
1. Enlisted Military Soldier – Average Income $35,580
2. Firefighter – Average Income $45,250
3. Airline Pilot – Average Income $103,210
4. Military General – Average Income $196,300
5. Police Officer – Average Income $53,540
6. Event Coordinator – Average Income $45,260
7. Public Relations Executive – Average Income $91,810
8. Corporate Executive (Senior) – Average Income $165,830
9. Photojournalist – Average Income $40,000
10. Taxi Driver – Average Income $22,440
CareerCast.com’s 10 Least Stressful Jobs
1. Medical Records Technician – Average Income $32,350
2. Jeweler – Average Income $35,170
3. Hair Stylist – Average Income $22,760
4. Dressmaker/Tailor – Average Income $26,560
5. Medical Laboratory Technician – Average Income $36,280
6. Audiologist – Average Income $66,660
7. Precision Assembler – Average Income $31,250
8. Dietitian – Average Income $53,250
9. Furniture Upholsterer – Average Income $29,960
10. Electrical Technician – Average Income $56,040
For detailed information on how we rank jobs by stress level, see our 2012 Jobs Rated Stress Methodology. Visit www.CareerCast.com to view the least stressful jobs and most stressful jobs.
SOURCE CareerCast.com
Web Site: http://www.careercast.com
firefighter, jeweler, military, photojournalist, pilot, police, report, stress, tailor, taxi driver, top 10 2012, audiologist, California, CareerCast.com, Carlsbad, firefighter, jeweler, military, photojournalist, pilot, police, report, stress, tailor, taxi driver, top 10
Leading Futurist Predicts What’s Next
SAN FRANCISCO, CA /PRNewswire/ ~ Leading futurist, author and business adviser Dr. James Canton, CEO, Institute for Global Futures, has released a report on the top global trends for 2012. The Global Futures Forecast 2012 is an annual trend report that predicts the newest developments coming in the year. Organizations worldwide use this yearly forecast as a barometer for what challenges, risks and strategies may emerge in the marketplace and society.
The Global Futures Forecast 2012 uses a proprietary forecasting platform called Trend Trakker to combine research analysis, interviews, crowd sourcing and expert opinions to produce the findings in the report.
The Global Futures Forecast 2012 examines the future of the Internet, workforce, manufacturing, mobility, climate change, cybersecurity, water and innovation as key drivers of change this year.
“Agility will be a top challenge this year for all organizations,” stated Dr. James Canton, author and CEO of Institute for Global Futures. “We are predicting that fast and disruptive changes will be both an opportunity for growth and competitive advantage as well as a great risk.” Companies that plan now for the challenges of this year forecast by Dr. Canton will be able to adapt, learn and navigate the social, economic and technological changes that are coming. “Fast change, hyper-competition and explosive innovations may catch organizations unprepared,” asserts Dr. Canton.
Quantum computing, extreme mobility, the semantic web and cloud computing are four game-changing innovations cited by the global trends report. Dr. Canton’s research indicates that: “Radical innovations will lead the key disruptions business will face this year. Many companies are not future-ready to meet the global challenges that will emerge.”
The full report can be downloaded free from http://www.FutureGuru.com.
The Institute for Global Futures is a San Francisco think tank that advises the global Fortune 100 and governments on trends.
Dr. James Canton, futurist, adviser, is the author of the Extreme Future and Technofutures.
SOURCE Institute for Global Futures
Web Site: http://www.futureguru.com
global trends, guru, Institute for Global Futures, James Canton, manufacturing, mobility, predictions, Technofutures, trends, workforce climate change, Cybersecurity, Dr. James Canton, futurist, global trends, guru, Institute for Global Futures, James Canton, manufacturing, mobility, predictions, Technofutures, trends, workforce
Roadmap for Strengthening U.S. Competitiveness per new Commerce Department Report
WASHINGTON /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ ~ The U.S Department of Commerce today delivered to Congress a comprehensive report on “The Competitiveness and Innovative Capacity of the United States.” The report serves as a call to arms, highlighting bipartisan priorities to sustain and promote American innovation and economic competitiveness.
The report makes three important findings:
~ Federal investments in research, education and infrastructure were critical building blocks for American economic competitiveness, business expansion and job creation in the last century;
~ Failures to properly invest in, and have comprehensive strategies for, those areas have eroded America’s competitive position; and,
~ In a constrained budgetary environment, prioritizing support for these pillars is imperative for America’s economic future and will provide a strong return on investment for the U.S. taxpayer. Speaking before an event at the Center for American Progress (CAP), Commerce Secretary and former CEO John Bryson highlighted the importance role innovation plays in the nation’s economy.
“This is a topic of pivotal importance,” Bryson said. “Our ability to innovate as a nation will determine what kind of economy – what kind of country – our children and grandchildren will inherit, and whether it’s a country that holds the same promise for them as it did for our parents and grandparents.”
The report was mandated as part of the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010, which was signed into law by President Obama in January last year. The report addresses a diverse range of topics and policy options, including: tax policy; the general business climate in the U.S.; barriers to setting up new firms; trade policy, including export promotion; the effectiveness of federal research and development policy; intellectual property regimes in the U.S. and abroad; the health of the manufacturing sector; and science and technology education.
The full report, as well as additional resources, can be found online at www.commerce.gov/competes.
Some key findings of the report include:
Basic research. While private citizens and businesses are the top source of new ideas, the government plays a key role in supporting and developing their innovations. Examples of how this federal seed money has helped change our world are can be seen in the development of the Internet, satellite communications and semiconductors, among other job-creating advances. The report recommends federal funding be increased for basic research – universities and research centers, for instance. Consistent with the long-held view of President Obama, the report also recommends a tax credit a tax credit be enhanced and extended for private-sector R&D to give companies appropriate incentives to innovate and improve the way basic research is transferred from the lab into commercial products. The report recognizes that through efforts like the Small Business Jobs Act, the i6 Green Challenge, and a number of other initiatives, including increased funding, the Obama Administration has shown a commitment to spurring innovation through supporting research.
Education. The COMPETES report underscores the importance of education in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM, fields. For instance, women with STEM jobs earned 33 percent more than comparable women in non-STEM jobs. As a result, the gender wage gap is smaller in STEM jobs than in non-STEM jobs. Ongoing and new administration initiatives are addressing these challenges by making college more affordable, spurring classroom innovation at all levels and expanding the size and quality of STEM teacher ranks. To succeed in the global economy, government must encourage students and workers to pursue STEM education.
Infrastructure. The report highlights the importance of federal government investment in an expansive modern electrical grid that provides robust broadband Internet access in both urban and rural communities. Presently, 68 percent of American households have adopted broadband, an almost eight-fold increase since 2001. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have benefited hugely from the Internet and created more than twice the number of jobs as firms not on the Web, creating 2.6 jobs for each one eliminated. The report also highlights Obama Administration efforts to build a 21st century infrastructure, including the NextGen Air Traffic Control System, opening spectrum for wireless communication, creating smart grid standards and providing unprecedented funding for road, rail and bridge projects across the country.
Supporting Manufacturing. The report also examines manufacturing, recognizing that a flourishing U.S. manufacturing sector is crucial to competitive strength, economic growth and job creation, as well as to sustaining a strong middle class. In 2009, manufacturing comprised 11.2 percent of GDP and 9.1 percent of total U.S. employment, directly employing over 11 million workers. Manufacturing is also the biggest source of innovation in our economy. Sixty-seven percent of all the business R&D in America is done by manufacturing companies. The report outlines a series of steps the Obama administration has taken to support American manufacturing, including rescuing the U.S. auto industry, creating the White House Office of Manufacturing Policy and forming the Advanced Manufacturing Partnership (AMP), as well as initiatives such as the Materials Genome Initiative and the National Digital Engineering and Manufacturing Consortium.
The report also touches on a number of other areas, including the benefits of regional clusters, the Administration’s Startup America Initiative, the National Export Initiative, corporate tax reform, as well as the importance of intellectual property protection.
For more information on any of these sections, or to view the full report, visit www.commerce.gov/competes.
CONTACT: Brad Carroll, bcarroll@doc.gov
SOURCE U.S. Census Bureau
Web Site: http://www.census.gov
American Progress, Commerce, competitiveness, economic outlook, manufacturing, report, U.S Department of Commerce, U.S. Census Bureau Advanced Manufacturing Partnership, AMP, CAP, Center for American Progress, Commerce, competitiveness, economic outlook, manufacturing, report, U.S Department of Commerce, U.S. Census Bureau
New Interactive Blog to Encourage and Inspire Young People to Explore Top Industries Launched by Randstad US, Professionals
BOSTON, MA /PRNewswire/ ~ Randstad US, Professionals announced today the launch of its Inspiring Experts blog to encourage and inspire young job seekers and professionals to explore careers in top industries where future job opportunities are expected to grow. The blog will provide information and insight on current jobs in demand, top career trends and workplace advice, through traditional and emerging media channels.
The blog is a continuation of Randstad US, Professionals’ successful video contest “Inspiring Experts,” where more than 350 professionals and students submitted video entries describing why they love their jobs, why they chose these fields, the impact they are making and how others can pursue careers in these sectors. Prizes included scholarships, donations to charities, cash prizes and a guest blogger spot on our Inspiring Experts blog.
The positive results from contest participants and site visitors prompted Randstad to transform the contest to an ongoing online resource for students and professionals looking to explore top industries. The Inspiring Experts blog will include articles and videos from a number of career and recruitment experts from across the Randstad US, Professionals network, as well as featured entries from the contest winners and guest career and workplace writers. Visitors to the site will be able to join in on the conversation with experts, asking questions or posting their own comments on a specific topic or industry.
“The Inspiring Experts campaign created a tremendous response from not only the professional working community, but also from students around the country,” said Dan Foley, president of Randstad US, Professionals. “In today’s economy, young people are looking for careers with sustainable growth and security. With so many industries like engineering and information technology looking for highly skilled talent, our Inspiring Experts blog can be a resource to help cultivate interest and drive employment in those sectors. We believe that the greatest advice comes directly from those living it, and we believe we’re providing just that~real advice from expert recruiters.”
The Inspiring Experts blog is a part of a larger initiative for Randstad US, Professionals in 2012. The company will be launching an interactive Inspiring Experts site that will house not only the blog, but also interactive videos, expert profiles, hot jobs, and the ability to ask questions directly to experts.
Randstad will be continuing its video contest as an annual competition launching in late summer 2012.
For more information on Inspiring Experts please go to www.inspiringexperts.com.
About Randstad
Randstad is a $22.5 billion global provider of HR services and the second largest staffing organization in the world. From temporary staffing to permanent placement to inhouse, professionals, search & selection, and HR Solutions, Randstad holds top positions around the world and has approximately 31,100 corporate employees working from its nearly 4,700 branches and inhouse locations in 40 countries. Founded in 1960 and headquartered in Diemen, the Netherlands, Randstad Holding nv is listed on the NYSE Euronext Amsterdam.
Learn more at www.randstad.com.
SOURCE Randstad US
CONTACT: Lesly Cardec, PR Director, lesly.cardec@randstadusa.com
Web Site: http://www.inspiringexperts.com
internships, Massachusetts, professionals, Randstad, Randstad US, scholarships, starter careers, students, top industries, youth Boston, experts, explore, HR services, interactive blog, internships, Massachusetts, professionals, Randstad, Randstad US, scholarships, starter careers, students, top industries, youth trends,
