Skills 2006 Outlook Survey Methods

The objectives of the Skills 2006 Outlook survey and research study were to:

1. Determine the number of new and replacement workers anticipated between the years 2003-2006 in a selected sample of small, medium and large-size businesses in central Iowa.
2. Evaluate the skill levels sought by employers over a broad range of jobs within their organizations
3. Seek employers’ opinions on workforce factors impeding their ability to grow or expand in this region.

This information was gathered via web-based surveys and focus groups with representatives of each target industry cluster.