Labor Market Needs for High School Students
Legislation passed during the 2018 session that requires the Department of Economic Development (DED)
to annually identify occupations in which a critical need or shortage of trained personnel exists in the labor
market in the state and provide such information to the State Board of Education (SBE). Upon receipt of
such data, the SBE shall, in collaboration with DED, compile the following:
- Information on how to obtain industry recognized certificates and credentials
- Information on how to obtain a license and the requirements for a license when licensure is required
for an occupation
- Access to assessments and interest inventories that provide insight into the types of careers that
would be suitable for students
- Resources that describe the types of skills and occupations most in demand in the current job
market and those skills and occupations likely to be in high demand in future years
- Resources that describe the typical salaries for occupations and salary trends
- Information on how to obtain financial assistance for postsecondary education
- Information on how to choose a college, school, or apprenticeship that aligns with the student’s
career goals and values
- Information on self-employment
- Resources related to creating a résumé, interviewing, networking, and finding job opportunities
- Information on the skills and traits necessary to succeed in various careers
The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education school counseling staff has compiled and placed
information related to labor shortages and job attainment on their website. This information will update
regularly at the following link:
https://dese.mo.gov/college-career-readiness/school-counseling.
