November 2012
The 2012 Hawai‘i Career Ready Study prepared by Storyline Consulting for Hawai‘i P-20, cites the importance of rigorous standards and preparation so all high school graduates will be "career ready." Over 120 Hawai‘i employers hiring in today's economy participated in the updated study through interviews and a survey that focused on "living wage" career pathways. With the convergence of skill requirements needed for entry into college and a living wage career, this study provides updated data and information to support the progress of Hawai‘i's overall college- and career-ready efforts.
Major findings include:
1. Work habits and attitudes, also known as "soft skills", still rise to the top as most important for workplace success and most difficult to develop on the job.
2. Effective communication relies on English Language Arts skills like reading and verbal compentencies and are critical to employee success.
3. Math skills are less frequently required, but basic mathematics is essential and an important building block for employee skills in using technology, thinking logically, and communicating quantitative ideas.
The Career Ready Study illustrates how the Hawai‘i State Department of Education's (HIDOE) new K-12 Common Core State Standards align with Hawai‘i employers' expectations for high quality employees. The study also maps the HIDOE's "General Learner Outcomes" goals to specific habits, attitudes and skills sought after by employees. Lastly, the report updates qualitative and quantitative information about employer needs in today's more constricted economy.
Click on image below to view full report (PDF)
Click here to view the 2012 Executive Summary (PDF)
To view the 2007 Career Ready Study, click on the links below: