Giventhe layoffs and unemployment woes that consistently make headlines, itmay seem hard to believe that some industries are experiencing workershortages. Yet despite a national unemployment rate that hovers near double digits, there are industries that are in need of well-trained, qualified employees.

According to CareerBuilder's 2010 Mid-Year Job Forecast:

· Twenty-twopercent of employers reported that despite an abundant labor pool, theystill have positions for which they can't find qualified candidates.

· Forty-eightpercent of human resources managers reported that there was an area oftheir organization in which they lacked qualified workers.

· Health-careemployers were the most likely to report a skills deficit; 63 percentof HR professionals in large health-care organizations said they have ashortage of qualified workers.

Here are seven industries inneed of workers, the reasons behind each, and why you might considerdirecting your career path toward one of these employee-hungry sectors.

1. Skilled trade 

According to a talent shortage survey conducted by staffing firm Manpower Inc., skilled-trade jobs (heating and air conditioning, electricians, plumbers, pipefitters, etc.) are the hardest jobs to fill this year.

Why there's a need:Many skilled-trade positions fall into the "middle-skills" jobcategory, or jobs that do not require a four-year degree, yet dorequire some education or training beyond high school. The shortage ofqualified workers in this area has been largely attributed to a needfor additional programs designed to attract high school students to thecommunity colleges and trade school programs that train these workers.  

Why you should consider it:You can get paid while you learn. Most skilled trades require training,much of which can be done during a paid apprenticeship. Skilled tradescan also be a good career option for the business-minded, since manyskilled-trade workers are self-employed and own their own businesses.

2. Transportation

According to a 2010 job outlook study done by online ad research firm Borrell Associates, the transportation, warehousing and utilities industry is expected to see 31.6 percent more job openings this year than it did in 2009.  In-demand jobs will include transportation analysts, transportation managers, and transportation and warehouse coordinators.

Why there's a need: In June 2010, the U.S. manufacturing sector marked its 11^thstraight month of economic growth, according to the Institute forSupply Chain Management, and the sixth straight month of employmentgrowth.  An increase in manufacturing creates a domino effect thatextends to both the warehouses that store manufactured products and thetransportation used to distribute them. 

Why you might consider it:The barrier to entry is low. A clean driving record, a commercialdriver's license and an age restriction are the most typical jobrequirements.

3. Automotive

Though Michigan's unemployment rate is testament to how hard the recession hit the auto industry,there could soon be a shortage of workers in the recovering field. TheCenter for Automotive Research recently reported that new jobs createdin the industry may top 15,000 by the end of 2010, and could be as highas 100,000 per year from 2011 through 2013.

Why there's a need:Nearly 228,000 workers were laid off when the industry hit its lowpoint.  Now that car companies are starting to see a rebound, the autoindustry is looking to bring back its  work force.

Why you should consider it: The salaries of motor vehicle manufacturing workers are high compared with other manufacturing industries.

4. Education

While it's true that many school districts are facing budget cuts and layoffs, teachers are in short supply in many areas of education. Eachyear, the Education Department puts out a list of nationwide teachershortages, and 2010 is no different in terms of the overwhelming needfor qualified educators. Areas of education most in need includespecial education, mathematics, bilingual teaching and foreignlanguage.

Why there's a need: Teacher shortages are nota new phenomenon, and poor teacher retention rates and low salaries areoften blamed. Troubled school districts and areas of education thatattract fewer teachers have high turnover rates, leaving many schoolsin a constant search for new educators. Meanwhile, fewer collegestudents are choosing teaching as a career path, due to an unappealingcombination of advanced training requirements, complicated licensingprocedures and low starting salaries.  

Why you should consider it:Many states are now offering alternative certification programs toentice potential career-changers into the classroom.  These programsallow people who hold a bachelor's degree in a field other thaneducation to work in the classroom while taking the courses necessaryto complete their teaching certificates.

5. Health care

Though there have been reports of leveling off in health carejob growth, the industry continues to have a surplus of job openings.According to a December 2009 survey by AMN Health Care Services, 95percent of hospital CEOs agreed that there was a shortage of physicians in the U.S., and the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that from 2008 to 2018, 600,000 jobs will be created in nursing alone. Job openings also abound for workers without advanced schooling; 2010's most wanted health care workers include home health aides, X-ray technicians and nursing home workers.

Why there's a need:In 2011, baby boomers officially begin to turn 65, creating twofoldimplications for the health care industry. Not only will the aging U.S.population require more medical care than ever, but many of the babyboomers currently employed in health care will begin to retire, bothfactors that will contribute to an increasing gap between health caresupply and demand. Additionally, with the passing of the recent healthcare reform bill, even more Americans will be eligible for health carein coming years, meaning that the need for providers will only continueto increase.  

Why you should consider it: Ten of today's 20 fastest-growing occupations are in health care.  

6. Engineering

In 2008 and 2009, the Manpower Worker Shortage Survey named engineeringjobs the hardest to fill.  While the 2010 title has gone toskilled-trade positions, the engineering sector is still in need ofwell-qualified workers.

Why there's a need: Like healthcare, the engineering industry is seeing many of its workers reachretirement age.  Additionally, fewer college students are graduatingwith engineering degrees. Adding to the need for engineers is lastyear's economic stimulus package, which prompted an upswing intransportation and infrastructure projects that demand the expertise of skilled engineers. 

Why you should consider it:Depending on the concentration, salaries for engineers can average wellinto  six figures. While an engineering degree is required for mostpositions, those with a bachelor's degree in math or science fields mayalso be considered.

7. Sales and customer service

According to CareerBuilder's Mid-Year Job Forecast, 25 percent of hiring managers surveyed said they plan to hire workers for customer service positions in the second half of 2010, while 22 percent said they'd be hiring more salespeople.

Why there's a need:Companies are focused on building new client relationships and bringingin revenue, meaning that there is an increasing need for the peopleresponsible for these functions -- customer service and salesrepresentatives.

Why you should consider it: Many salesand customer service jobs don't require a college degree, just a strongwork ethic and ability to build great relationships. Because a lot ofsales jobs are commission-based, earning potential is high.

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