Employers among UpSkill Houston’s partners and stakeholders show interest in supporting workforce development programs for students despite continuing concern around what the future will bring for their businesses and economy, a new survey shows.

UpSkill Houston surveyed 88 partners and stakeholders between May 20 and May 22 to understand the effects of COVID-19 on their organizations, workforce, students and clients. Twenty-five percent responded: 45% represented a community based organization or nonprofit; 32% an employer; 14% an education system; and 10% an association or other type of organization.

Employer respondents indicated interest in supporting workplace readiness programming, virtual mentorships, curriculum development, activities for students and parents, and career-centered learning opportunities. Previous UpSkill Houston surveys showed that educators and counselors sought involvement from the business community to help prepare students and clients for entry or re-entry into the workforce.

The recent survey indicates that employers are slightly less concerned with the economy and their workforce in the short term than they were in March and April, while concerns for the next three to nine months and more than a year out have been growing.

Employers anticipate that the pandemic will take the greatest toll on their office environment, supply chain and employees’ mental health.

Meanwhile, community organizations continue showing great need for client workforce and job placement services along with financial services and coaching, and assistance with rent and utilities. Organizations are still seeing widespread client job loss, reductions in hours, financial effects and childcare challenges in the short term.

See previous survey data here.