Nearly 1,000 Maryland businesses responded to a recent statewide survey that looked at how well workforce needs are being met. Among the findings were:
About 46 percent of the businesses said they'd had problems hiring high school-educated applicants because of communication skills. About 43 percent reported problems with their writing and reading skills.
Nearly 80 percent of firms that hire manufacturing or skilled trades workers reported difficulty finding qualified workers.
38 percent of the businesses said a shortage of skilled workers hurt their ability to do business in Maryland over the past year.
57 percent of firms that hire from high school vocational education programs said it was difficult to find qualified applicants.
More than 80 percent of the firms gauged Maryland's public and private colleges, universities, graduate and professional skills as either good or excellent.
