Pentad

Top Ten O*NET Skill Needed for The Pentad Consortium's Fastest Growing Occupations Prepared November 2, 1999
*Ranking*	**ONET Skill Needed***	*Description of Skill*
1.	Problem Identification	Identifying the nature of problems
2.	Reading Comprehension	Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents
3.	Information Gathering	Knowing how to find information and identifying essential information
4.	Speaking	Talking to others to effectively convey information
5.	Active Listening	Listening to what other people are saying and asking questions as appropriate
6.	Mathematics	Using mathematics to solve problems
7.	Information Organization	Finding ways to structure or classify multiple pieces of information
8.	Writing	Communicating effectively with others in writing as indicated by the needs of the audience
9.	Equipment Selection	Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job
10.	Critical Thinking	Using logic and analysis to identify the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches

Top Ten O*NET Knowledge Areas Needed for The Pentad Consortium's Fastest Growing Occupations Prepared November 2, 1999
*Ranking*	**ONET Knowledge Needed***	*Description of Knowledge*
1.	Mathematics	Knowledge of numbers, their operations, and interrelationships including arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications
2.	English Language	Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar
3.	Computers and Electronics	Knowledge of electric circuit boards, processors, chips, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming
4.	Mechanical	Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, benefits, repair, and maintenance
5.	Clerical	Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing systems, filing and records management systems, stenography and transcription, forms design principles, and other office procedures and terminology
6.	Engineering and Technology	Knowledge of equipment, tools, mechanical devices, and their uses to produce motion, light, power, technology, and other applications
7.	Administration and Management	Knowledge of principles and processes involved in business and organizational planning, coordination, and execution. This includes strategic planning, resource allocation, manpower modeling, leadership techniques, and production methods
8.	Design	Knowledge of design techniques, principles, tools and instruments involved in the production and use of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models
9.	Customer and Personal Service	Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services including needs assessment techniques, quality service standards, alternative delivery systems, and customer satisfaction evaluation techniques
10.	Medicine and Dentistry	Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures

Projection of The Pentad Consortium's Top Ten Occupations Based on Growth Rate Prepared November 2, 1999 Base-year 1998 with projections to 2008
*Occupational Title*	*Est. Employment*		*Growth Rate*	*Total Growth*	*Annual*
*Occupational Title*	1998	2008	*Growth Rate*	*Total Growth*	Growth	Replace- ments	Openings
Numerical Control Mach Oprs	44	114	0.1591	70	7	1	8
Mechanical Engineers	68	161	0.1368	93	9	2	11
Welders & Cutters	197	379	0.0924	182	18	5	23
Medical Assistants	235	447	0.0902	212	22	4	26
Personal/Home Care Aides	236	439	0.0860	203	21	4	25
Systems Analysts	106	192	0.0811	86	8	0	8
Engineer, Math, Nat Sci Mgrs	77	135	0.0753	58	5	2	7
Medical Records Technicians	116	202	0.0741	86	9	3	12
Bill & Account Collectors	91	152	0.0670	61	6	2	8
Physician Assistants	71	114	0.0606	43	4	1	5