A new study finds that the Raleigh metro area ranks just behind Austin in technology job growth over the past decade. But North Carolina’s capital area is No. 1 in job growth related to STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) skills. The news comes as GSK donated $1M to kick start a N.C. STEM initiative on Wednesday.
The study, which was published by Forbes, is based on a review of various economic data for each of the largest 52 metropolitan areas across the U.S. from 2004-2014.
Technology-related job growth in Raleigh grew 62.3 percent to 38,853, according to data compiled by Praxis Strategy Group.
STEM-related jobs grew at 39 percent to 49,593.
GSK hopes to give STEM jobs a boost in the state with its $1 million donation to a “STEMAccelerator” program being launched by North Carolina New Schools. Gov. Pat McCrory was on hand for the announcement.
The initiative comes just over a year after a report projected nearly 240,000 STEM jobs would become available in the state but North Carolina was not producing enough students to fill the positions.
“High quality STEM education is critical to North Carolina’s future prosperity,” McrCrory said of the initiative. “To address the gap in education and workforce needs, we must provide resources and support for teachers’ professional growth – especially in the critical areas of science and mathematics. The STEMAccelerator will help us meet one of my administration’s goals of transforming the teaching profession into a rewarding, long-term career.”
