Context for Analysis (C)

4C3 Analyzing Demographic Trends and Workforce Needs

Several demographic trends affect work environment, job classification, and workforce needs. An aging population is a regional challenge. Western's employee attrition rate in 2005 was 7 percent (Figure 4.2).

Missouri’s decision to change the Missouri State Employees’ Retirement System (MOSERS) impacts staffing at Western. This change provided financial incentives to employees to retire early.

A lack of diversity in the regional workforce challenges Western’s ability to increase diversity in students, staff, faculty, and administration.

Northwest Missouri business and industry needs have impacted the programs Western offers. This is particularly true in the life sciences initiatives which require specific expertise. This challenge has resulted in the establishment of the Institute for Industrial and Applied Life Sciences (9P1).

Regional plant closures have required retraining of dislocated workers. This has resulted in increased enrollment in programs such as the Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA) and Health Information Technology (HIT) programs.