Metro Atlanta Chamber Unveils 2023 Talent Supply Report

ATLANTA – Today the Metro Atlanta Chamber (MAC) revealed the 2023 Talent Supply Report, a comprehensive study of the supply and demand for skilled talent across the state of Georgia. The report, in its fourth edition since 2017, examines the degrees conferred by Georgia’s education institutions and compares them to the open jobs requiring those degrees. The research identifies gaps and opportunities, providing actionable information, recommendations and better practices for closing those gaps and improving Georgia’s overall talent supply. 

“This research and analysis is one piece of a long-term, multi-pronged strategy to grow and develop metro Atlanta’s skilled talent pool,” said Katie Kirkpatrick, president and CEO of the Metro Atlanta Chamber. “This report equips our staff, partners and stakeholders with critical, actionable information around crucial gaps and opportunities in our state’s workforce. Because of the information contained in this report, we know where we need to focus our efforts.”

Like other prosperous regions experiencing rapid economic growth and population changes, Metro Atlanta faces a shifting landscape of workforce challenges. MAC’s work to examine the data around these shifts helps chart a path forward for policymakers, employers, educators, and workers. The new report seeks to equip stakeholders with knowledge to make informed decisions in a rapidly changing economic environment.

The 2023 Talent Supply Report includes findings like:

• Both the supply of qualified workers and the demand for them is up in Georgia. But the state’s job demand is increasing more rapidly, with job postings nearly doubling from 2017-2021. 

• Experience matters: Most employers hiring for entry-level jobs are posting job descriptions seeking talent with prior work experience.

• The days of simply saying “any education will lead to success” are long gone. Instead, we need to make smarter, strategic investments to support all students and develop talent that can meet the high-demand needs of our rapidly growing economy. 

The report includes policy recommendations and a summary of legislative progress and state funding support from 2020-2023. A coordinated, concerted effort is needed to develop a skills-based workforce with the training and certifications necessary to meet Georgia’s ever-growing job demand.

“While there is more work to be done, momentum for positive change and continued economic growth in our state continues,” said Dr. Jerry Parrish, chief economist at the Metro Atlanta Chamber. “With a grounding in data and better practices and an eye on future industry growth and talent needs, Georgia will continue to strengthen its position as a national and global economic leader.”

Over the past four years Georgia has established itself as a resilient economy able to adapt to substantial changes in the labor market. Since 2019, not only has the state recovered and increased employment by more than double the rate for the U.S., it has also expanded current businesses and grown new industries. 

Download the full 2023 Talent Supply Report here, or go to TalentSupplyReport.com.  

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About the Metro Atlanta Chamber 

The Metro Atlanta Chamber (MAC) serves as a catalyst for a more prosperous and vibrant region. To advance economic growth and improve metro Atlanta’s quality of place, MAC is focused on starting, growing and recruiting companies to the 29-county metro Atlanta region. The Chamber is also focused on expanding the region’s innovation economy by promoting and strengthening connections to drive Atlanta’s innovation and entrepreneurial culture. MAC is committed to being an active voice for the business community, serving as an advocate for a competitive business climate and promoting Atlanta’s story. For more information, visit www.MetroAtlantaChamber.com.