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RALEIGH -- Business, community and education leaders from across the state are working to align industry needs with educational goals as the state superintendent's commission on workforce development met for the first time in Raleigh on Monday.

"We have heard for a long time that our educational goals and our job market demands are misaligned," said Dr. June Atkinson, the state superintendent of schools.

A labor market study shows the biotechnology, energy and medical industries need skilled workers, and the demand will continue growing. Figures show there's a talent shortage of 12,607 people a year.

"We have enough people in the state," said John Metcalf, with the Corporation for a Skilled Workforce and a commission member. "But, we don't necessarily have the alignment of the people with the skills to fill the jobs that are being created."

Metcalf advised potential workers to get a good education and make sure they have a solid foundation upon which they can add other skills.

"Put your security in the skills that you have, because skills are transferable," he said. "Jobs will go away and you'll need to be able to transfer those skills elsewhere."

The commission has scheduled four meetings throughout the summer. Afterward, members plan to present their recommendations to the governor, the General Assembly, the State Board of Education and other economic development groups.

"As we look toward the future, we know that the wellbeing of our citizens will be determined by the economic development and the jobs that are available to them," Atkinson said. "We want to make sure that our young people are prepared for the world that they would face as it relates to future careers."