Skillshed Analysis as a Tool to Inform Workforce Training Programs: The Case of Amazon HQ2

This promising practice article briefly describes skillshed analysis as a tool community colleges and universities can utilize to inform workforce training and curriculum development to meet emerging workforce needs for displaced workers or those in declining occupations. As an example, the skillshed analysis is applied to the Columbus, Ohio MSA and used to identify the declining occupations and existing skillset of those workers. This skillset is then compared to workforce opportunities in the region should Columbus secure the Amazon H2Q facility. The training gaps demonstrate areas where community colleges and universities might focus their respective workforce training efforts.