Polls

Fall 2005 IssuesPA/Pew Poll: Higher Education and Workforce Development
September 2005

The Fall 2005 IssuesPA/Pew Poll asked 1,653 Pennsylvanians for their opinions on state government and the role of higher education in workforce and skill development. The survey showed confidence in state government at its lowest level in the 2 years of the IssuesPA/Pew Poll, and confidence in the ability of the legislature to deal with the issues most important to Pennsylvanians dropped by eleven percentage points.

The September survey provides an in-depth look at resident’s opinions of the role of higher education in increasing skills and worker competitiveness, as well as Pennsylvanian’s understanding of the skills requirements for industries viewed crucial to the state’s economic competitiveness.

Attitudes Toward Government (Sept 2005) Most Important Problem Facing Pennsylvania Causes for dissatisfaction Satisfaction by region Confidence in State Government Confidence in Legislature Confidence in Gov. Rendell Top Workforce Findings (September 2005) Job Situation Important Job Characteristics Best Bets for Job Growth Education needed for future jobs Education needed for growth industries Job done by high schools Job done by 2 and 4 year colleges Enrollment in job-related education Top obstacles to additional training State support for higher education