A Survey of Demand in Selected Metalworking Occupations for Major Areas of Idaho.

To determine the state and area impact of occupational shortages in the metal working skills in Idaho and to provide a basis for planning effective vocational education programs, the Idaho Department of Employment conducted a sample survey of 68 employers in the metal working occupations. The occupations were selected from a national list of hard-to-find metal workers and included machinists, welders, tool and die makers, turret and engine lathe operators, sheet metal workers, structural steel workers, and boilermakers. The study, conducted in April 1966, encompasses the nine most populous counties in Idaho including 55 percent of the population. Some "eneral conclusions were: (1) The lack of qualified metal workers has not caused curtailment of operation, (2) More welders will be needed than any of the other survey occupations, (3) The demand for qualified machinists should remain at a high level and (4) Seasonality in the total employment of workers was implied by the survey for the occupations of welders, structural steel workers, sheet metal workers, machinists, and boilermakers. Statistical data is presented in table form and the interview questionnaire is included in the appendix. (DM)