Wisconsin counts 6,440 unfilled jobs in five skills clusters that generate more than half of the state's gross domestic product, according to “Be Bold 2: Growing Wisconsin's Talent Pool,” a report published by ManpowerGroup and public policy organization Competitive Wisconsin Inc. The research predicts the number will exceed 54,000 over the next 10 years if no steps are taken.

The clusters include systems and network software development, nursing and health-related, accounting and financial analysis, mechanical engineering, and metal manufacturing.

The report suggests three core strategies to address the challenge: align talent development with economic development, provide real-time jobs and career information on demand, and promote Wisconsin’s rightly skilled, world-class talent.