Penn Foster Survey: 7 in 10 Atlanta Employers Face Shortage of Qualified Entry-Level Talent
Nearly two-thirds of employers in Atlanta report that labor shortages are constraining business growth, according to a new Penn Foster survey. The survey found that 70% of employers face a deficit of qualified entry-level workers.
Atlanta's economy continues to expand, but a significant number of local employers are struggling to find enough qualified workers to sustain this growth. A recent survey conducted by Penn Foster reveals that 70% of employers in the Atlanta area are experiencing a shortage of qualified entry-level talent.
Furthermore, the survey indicates that approximately 65% of employers stated that these labor shortages are actively constraining their business growth. This suggests that companies' expansion plans and their capacity to undertake new projects are being hampered by the difficulty in recruiting suitable candidates.
The findings highlight a potential disconnect between the educational system's output and the demands of the current job market. Penn Foster implies that this underscores the need for educational programs to better align with the requirements of modern employers and prepare individuals for entry-level positions.
The survey, which polled employers in the Atlanta region, was released on August 26, 2026.