FRANKFORT, Ky. — Each of Kentucky’s 10 Local Workforce Areas (LWA) is expected to have at least 33 occupations grow by 20 percent or more in the next 10 years. This growth will account for more than 280,000 total job openings, according to the Occupational Outlook Dashboard (2016-2026) from the Kentucky Center for Statistics (KYSTATS) within the Education and Workforce Development Cabinet (EWDC).
Kentucky’s projected occupational information is available through the KYSTATS Occupational Outlook Dashboard. The interactive dashboard displays wide variety of occupational information including job openings, growth rate, educational requirements, and earnings by occupation.
Healthcare practitioners and technical occupations are projected to be the fastest growing occupational group in five LWAs from 2016-2026. Transportation and material moving jobs are expected to account for the largest share of new jobs in three of the LWAs. Across all 10 Local Workforce Areas, more than 553,000 projected job openings in the next 10 years will require some education beyond a high school diploma, according to KYSTATS.
“The Occupational Outlook indicates positive long-term job growth for all regions of Kentucky, particularly in healthcare, transportation, and food preparation and service occupations,” said Dr. Jessica Cunningham, Executive Director of KYSTATS. “While there are similarities in job growth across the state, occupational groups experience different levels of growth in each Local Workforce Area, so it is important to look at the openings in each region over the next decade when you are considering a career path or changing careers.”