Ever wonder why Panama cannot continue its high rate of growth after all the spending on the canal ran out.   35% of companies in Panama reported having difficulties filling job positions, mainly intermediate positions with a high level of training required.

After our trip to Santiago Chile, I am really concerned for Panama if things do not change.  I met three skilled workers, all of whom came there from Venezuela. They all had good employment, a car, an apartment, went out nights with friends and still saved money to send back to Venezuela.  One had been in Panama for 4 years waiting for a work permit and gave up!!

Why cannot Panama open it’s doors to skilled labor that wants to come here?  Why cannot Panama train people for the work force?  These are serious questions that demand serious answers!!

According to the Talent Shortage Survey 2018, prepared by ManpowerGroup, the most difficult positions to cover are technicians, sales representatives, office support staff, accountants and financiers, heavy equipment drivers, computer support, engineers, chemists, customer service, lawyers, project managers, researchers, electricians, mechanics and welders.

Alberto Alesi, Regional Director for the Caribbean and Central America at ManpowerGroup explained to Laestrella.com.pa that “ …‘Due to automation, the skills most valued by companies are agility, flexibility and innovative thinking. To be successful today, the ideal is to have a mixture of digital knowledge and human strengths.” 

The article adds that ” …The majority of vacancies where demand is growing include intermediate positions that require training. 71% of employers surveyed in the country are investing in learning platforms to develop talent in their companies, according to the firm, while 42% are also changing their current work models, including flexible work offers.” 

See global statistics.