Have teenage children in need of career advice, but you're not sure which direction to steer them? You might consider pointing them toward the burgeoning field of network systems and data communications analysis.

It may not be the sexiest-sounding career, but according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, it's expected to be the fastest-growing occupation in the country over the next decade.

Jobs providing home health care are also in growing demand, according to the study, as the country ages and more Americans want to be cared for in their homes.

Greg Nash, senior account manager for the Helena office of Morrison-Maierle Systems, Inc., said the last decade has helped cement the demand for computer network analysts, as more and more firms - from retailers to law firms and other professional offices - convert to the digital age. Business has grown 40 percent in the last three years, he said.

"The professional businesses in Montana have come to realize the need to stay relatively current on their hardware and software so they can continue to expand in this globalized world," Nash said.

He said the typical career track for a network analyst would include a bachelor's degree in computer science or a certificate from a technical college, followed by several years as a network technician.

Once a person learns systems inside and out, Nash said, they also must acquire an understanding of the customers' businesses, in order to design and implement an appropriate network.

The need for home health care aides is even more acute in Montana than in the rest of the country, as the state has one of the nation's oldest populations.

"We see all the baby boomers that are taking care of their parents, and they want to keep them at home and they're willing to pay for their care," said Sheila Cotter, director of HomeLink of St. Peter's.

Cotter said it's extremely hard to hire home health aides. Extensive training, background checks and the need for a vehicle all factor into the equation, and potential workers can often earn as much in other settings. Cotter said a year of advertising yielded just two recent hires.

"Not everyone feels comfortable going into people's homes," she said. "You're on their turf, and we have to accept the way they live and provide the care they want to have."

On the flip side, the BLS study also pointed out occupations that are expected to be in steep decline over the next several years. They include stock and file clerks, cashiers and hand packagers.

Keith Kelly, commissioner of the Montana Department of Labor & Industry, said he's optimistic that the state can keep pace with the demand for technology workers, but that health care employees are a challenge in practically all fields across the state.

"Everybody that's in school right now is so much more computer literate," he said. "I think we'll be able to keep up with that demand because it's second nature to them."

He said the State Workforce Investment Board is looking for solutions to the health care worker shortage, which is particularly acute in rural areas of the state.

"It starts with doctors and goes all the way down," he said. "It's a pretty serious challenge."

Reporter John Harrington: 447-4080 or john.harrington@helenair.com.