Reading the Future of Work: What the New Employment Projections Mean

By Laura Walling, Vice President of Government Affairs, Goodwill Industries International, Inc.

The latest employment projections from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) offer an important glimpse into the future of America’s workforce. From 2025 to 2035, the economy is projected to add 5.9 million jobs, with the strongest growth concentrated in healthcare, social assistance, technology, construction, utilities, and other sectors facing ongoing talent shortages.

For Goodwill, these projections are more than economic forecasts. They validate the importance of workforce development policies and investments that help people build skills and connect to in-demand careers.

Employment projections help policymakers make informed decisions about where to invest workforce training dollars. When federal and state programs align with labor market demand, workers gain access to quality jobs, employers find the talent they need, and communities benefit from stronger economic growth.

The data show particularly strong demand for healthcare workers, community and social service professionals, construction workers, skilled tradespeople, and technology talent. These findings reinforce the need for continued investments in workforce development, career and technical education, apprenticeships, and supportive services that help individuals overcome barriers to employment.

The projections also highlight growing opportunities in skilled trades and middle-skill occupations. Construction laborers, electricians, industrial machinery mechanics, and other technical careers are expected to see significant demand over the next decade.

This is welcome news as local Goodwill organizations are helping people prepare for careers in construction, manufacturing, logistics, clean energy, healthcare, information technology, and other high-growth industries.

As lawmakers consider future workforce policies, these projections provide powerful evidence that investments in workforce development are investments in America’s economic future. Policymakers should use this data as a guide to strengthen workforce development systems, expand skills-based training opportunities, and ensure all Americans can participate in the careers of the future.