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About | Why Workforce 2020? | FAQs | Talent-Driven Community | Rochester Promise

Why Workforce 2020?

Rochester is a growing, dynamic community, with an employment base of more than 70,000 workers. However, it is projected that more than 10,000 of these workers will be retiring within 20 years. This, combined with a shrinking youth population, sets an incredible challenge for the region to find new workers of all skill ranges to meet the needs of business industry and to sustain the positive growth of the community.

Did You Know?

• 77 million baby boomers are set to retire over the next several decades
• The need for younger workers to fill vacated jobs, many of which require a high-level of skill, is on the horizon
• In Olmsted County alone, the number of people age 65 and older is projected to increase by nearly 10,000 by 2020, and is projected to double by 2020
• 40% of tomorrow’s jobs do not exist today. Only 20% of today’s workers will have the skills that 60% of tomorrow’s jobs will require.