Two factors have caused a decline in manufacturing employment in our economy. First,
increased competition from companies in Asia, Europe, and other regions has reduced
demand for American-made products. Second, automated production methods have decreased
the need for many entry-level employees in factories.
While career opportunities have dwindled in some sectors of our economy, opportunities
in other sectors have grown. Service industries that are expected to have the greatest
employment potential for the 21st century include