| The problem addressed by this study was the lack of perceptual data from perspective employers about the skill sets needed for entry level manufacturing workers. A confidential questionnaire (based on The Conference Board of Canada's Employability Skills 2000+ document) was developed and mailed to manufacturing production managers in the Kansas City area. Two research questions were formulated addressing skill sets needed in Fundamental, Personal Management, and Teamwork Skills. There was a statistically significant difference ( p = .023) among skill sets needed for entry level employees. The production managers rated personal management skills higher than fundamental and teamwork skills, respectively. However, there was not a statistically significant difference for skill sets needed when disaggregated by company size, (p = .913 for Fundamental Skills; p = .061 for Personal Management Skills; p = .370 for Teamwork Skills). Five conclusions and nine recommendations are presented. |
