Atlantic Cape Geographic Information Systems Workforce Project
Study to identify demand for and career opportunities in Geographic Information Systems.
From 2009 to 2010, Atlantic Cape Community College (ACCC) contracted with the Heldrich Center to identify the regional demand for workers who were skilled in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), to map GIS career opportunities, and to make recommendations for new types of curricula and credentials to address current or expected future gaps in the supply of skilled workers. Heldrich Center researchers reviewed relevant national and regional reports and websites to identify the key industries and occupations associated with GIS work and various levels of GIS skill related to key jobs. Researchers also examined labor market information in a five county area surrounding ACCC to determine which industries and jobs associated with GIS were large and/or growing in the region as well as convened employers to discuss their GIS hiring and training needs and trends in the use of GIS in the workplace. Finally, information on existing GIS training programs in the region was compiled to construct a training gap analysis. This research was used to develop a detailed report that described employer demand for GIS-enabled workers in the region, key gaps in the availability of training, and recommendations for the types of GIS skills and credentials that ACCC should consider offering to students, job seekers, and incumbent workers. The Heldrich Center also created a brochure and online materials that provide students with a guide to understanding career opportunities in GIS work and an introduction to GIS-related coursework at ACCC.