State expects to see fewer young skilled workers

The pool of younger skilled workers in Massachusetts is expected to shrink over the next five years, posing a threat to one of the state's key competitive advantages, according to a study released yesterday by the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce.

The state's population of 18- to 54-year-olds is projected to shrink by about 100,000, or 4 percent, by 2013, the study said, and the growth of the number of workers with a bachelor's degree or higher is projected to be the lowest in the nation.

"Talent has long been our greatest resource," said Paul Guzzi, chamber president. "As we continue to compete with other states and countries to grow jobs in industries such as financial services, high tech and life sciences, this natural resource becomes even more critical."

The chamber study, which analyzed local and national labor markets, found the state is not increasing its pool of skilled workers fast enough to keep up with employers' needs. As a result, 90,000 jobs go unfilled in the state each year, the study said.

The chamber study made these recommendations: improve teaching of science, technology, engineering and math in public schools; raise limits on visas for skilled foreign workers; expand internships at Massachusetts companies; implement Governor Deval Patrick's initiative to help more students graduate college; and lower business costs.

Robert Gavin can be reached at rgavin@globe.com.