An aging work force and shrinking land stock threaten Baltimore County?s thriving economy, officials said Thursday. About 40 percent of employees in the county?s skilled labor industries are eligible for retirement in the next five years, said Barry Williams, director of the county?s Office of Workforce Development.
If the county can?t find ways to increase the pipeline of qualified workers soon, area businesses will suffer or close altogether, he said.
“If you look at Baltimore County, it?s a pretty aged work force, and skilled labors specifically are hurting right now,” Williams said. “They aren?t able to fill positions. It?s a really dire situation.”
The problem is the subject of a report released Thursday at a meeting of the county?s Workforce Development Council, which targets industries such as construction, transportation, warehousing and manufacturing.
The report recommends increased visibility of skilled trades in schools and building a regional career-training center.
Meanwhile, lawmakers in a budget hearing Thursday learned that a depleted inventory of available land could prevent corporations from moving to Baltimore County. Since the beginning of the county?s comprehensive rezoning process in 2004, the county?s inventory of land suitable for major new or expanding employers ? land zoned for manufacturing and office technology use ? has decreased by 650 acres.
“We are routinely running into situations where we can?t find suitable land for businesses who want to move to Baltimore County,” said David Iannucci, director of the Department of Economic Development. “It?s something we need to protect.”
The county is home to more than 30 business parks, including a new 5.5 million-square-foot business park off the extended Route 43 in Middle River. But Councilman Vince Gardina, D-District 5, took issue with the mostly one-story buildings under construction at the site.
