Skills employers are looking for in Washington’s job market is constantly shifting, but one thing stays the same: employers want candidates who bring real skills to the table. Whether you’re starting fresh, switching careers, or trying to stay competitive, these are the top 5 skills companies are asking for right now.
1. Forklift Certification and Warehouse Experience
Logistics is booming across the I-5 corridor. From Lacey to Longview to Vancouver, employers are seeking forklift-certified workers and people with basic warehouse experience.
- Knowing how to safely operate heavy equipment can bump you up the hiring list fast
- Many employers will pay for certification once you’re onboard
2. Basic Computer Literacy
You don’t need to code, but knowing your way around email, spreadsheets, and basic data entry is a must in almost every industry.
- Employers love candidates who can hit the ground running with scheduling software, inventory systems, or even timecard apps
- Not tech-savvy? Ask us about AWG’s free foundational skills training
3. Reliability and Communication
Sounds simple, but this is one of the most in-demand soft skills right now. Showing up on time, being responsive, and communicating clearly makes you invaluable.
- Especially in fast-paced roles like production or customer service, employers want people they can count on
4. Safety Awareness
Whether you’re working in construction, manufacturing, or even hospitality, safety matters.
- Understanding safety protocols, PPE, and situational awareness isn’t just smart, it’s expected
- Having a valid OSHA-10 card is a huge plus. If you don’t have one, AWG can help you get certified
5. Adaptability
Industries are shifting, and employers need workers who can adapt, learn quickly, and wear multiple hats.
- If you’re open to learning new systems or tasks, you’re already ahead of the curve
- Cross-training is becoming more common in roles from industrial to office settings
🧾 𝗟𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮 𝗷𝗼𝗯 𝗶𝗻 𝗪𝗮𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘁𝗼𝗻?
At American Workforce Group, we connect skilled workers with employers every day. If you’ve got one or more of the skills above, we want to hear from you.
👉 𝐉𝐨𝐛 𝐁𝐨𝐚𝐫𝐝: https://jobs.americanworkforcegroup.net/
Industry Insight: Across the U.S., employers are increasingly hiring based on skills, not college degrees—with digital literacy, safety awareness, and adaptability topping the list as HR pivots to skills-based hiring in 2025.
Want help improving your computer or safety skills?
Check out our post on preparing for the AWG Math/Ruler Test Assessment. You can also request access to our Learning Management System (LMS), where you’ll find training and certification in Digital Literacy, Workplace Safety, and other essential workplace basics.