A troubled economy and a sluggish job market have a lot of people concerned about their future in the labor market. However, in a recent survey conducted by MANPOWER, there are professions that offer real targets of opportunity. After canvassing over 2000 employers, MANPOWER’s research reveals that even in a down economic cycle, there are professions that offer real potential to job seekers.

The dollars being pumped into the economy via federal economic stimulus packages have been earmarked for badly needed repairs and renovations to our infrastructure. In many communities roads, bridges, mass transportation, schools and other public works facilities are in desperate need of major improvements. Employers report there is a significant shortage of trained engineers to fill the positions created by these programs. And in response to the growing demand for ecologically-sensitive approaches to everything from energy production to water purification, the demand for engineers with training in ‘green’ technologies offers real potential for growth in the job market.

For the past several years, the trend for liberal arts and business degrees has risen while the number of degrees in engineering and applied sciences has fallen off, creating a vacuum in the job market for qualified engineers. Stating salaries vary according to locations, but the demand is real and holds great potential for future growth.

Along with an aging infrastructure in need of repairs, the aging of our population has created a demand for trained medical professionals, especially nurses. Advances in medical technology may have increased the average lifespan, but it has also opened a growing need for caregivers with medical expertise. In addition, the members of the first wave of the Boomer generation are beginning to fall into the category of senior citizens, with age-related health issues. The current job pool of nurses is limited and the impact of this shortage has been felt in health care institutions and private medical practices. Many hospitals and clinics are offering significant ‘sign on’ bonuses to qualified applicants and the demand for quality candidates is predicted to escalate in the next few decades.

Much of our future economic growth is tied to a well-educated population, and the demand for good teachers has never been higher. Financial crisis in certain school districts may have lead to bigger classes and fewer teachers, however there is a growing recognition that the foundation for a quality workforce is a quality education. Most experts agree that smaller classes and more teachers is the key to achieving educational excellence. As a result, the need for teachers is projected to grow steadily, especially with the rise in charter and other specialized schools cropping up across the educational landscape.

Employment specialists encourage job seekers to explore these areas and to consider training and education programs that will further refine applicants skills. They also recommend that job applicants become geographically flexible – so do your homework, research the areas of greatest need, and be ready to move if an opportunity presents itself. With the right educational credentials and smart planning, you can find a career with growth potential even in the current economic climate.