Employers' expectations for entry -level employees in Prince George's County, Maryland

This study assessed Prince George's County, Maryland employers' perceptions of the entry-level employment skills needed by non-college bound high school graduates of the early 21st century and their perceptions of whether the students are adequately prepared for those needs.;A sample of members of the Prince George's Chamber of Commerce (PGCOC) was surveyed. Questionnaires were sent to 300 PGCOC members. One hundred forty responses were received.;Those skills identified as most important for non-college bound entry-level employees were generic workplace skills. Those rated as "Very Important" by more than ninety-five percent of respondents were attendance; honesty; positive attitude; carries share of work; punctuality; works well with co-workers; and follows intent of oral directions and instructions.;The findings indicate that a substantial gap exists between employers' perceptions regarding the degree of importance of selected skills in entry-level positions, and the average level of competency of non-college bound entry-level employees. Many of these employees are deficient in the skills required for entry-level employment.;The findings of this study were generally congruent with those of previous studies, but with slight variations. This study found Basic Academic Skills somewhat less important than most other studies, but even those studies often found them not to be of the highest importance. Computer Capabilities were also of secondary importance in this study as well as in the previous studies. However, Basic Academic Skills and Computer Capabilities may be of increasing importance as non-college bound entry-level employees try to move into positions of increased responsibility.