Skills Gap

The skills gap refers to the mismatch between the skills employers are seeking and those available from job seekers. In today’s workforce, this is one of the top problems. Researchers disagree on the reason for the skill gap. Some even say it does not exist at all. Here are some of the culprits pointed out by researchers.

The Education System

Some researchers claim that for careers that are in high demand like, health care and computer sciences, there are not enough graduates. Manufacturing jobs are also suffering from a widening skills gap due to the lack of vocational courses being taught in high schools. According to a new study by Bentley University, most graduates say that they feel underprepared for their first jobs.

Need for Basic Soft Skills

Graduates are often very tech-savvy, but cannot correctly write an email or business letter. Communication skills are lacking in millennial job-seekers, and it is usually evident from their cover letters or resumes. Researchers have said that emphasis needs to be placed on soft skills in schools to get millennials ready for the real-work job market.

Job Postings are Too Specific

Many job posting sites are using automated surveys to weed out candidates based on their experience. These automated surveys may be preventing employers from finding good employees. Organizations using these tactics trying to save time in the screening process without realizing that they may be missing out on candidates with new or unique experiences from which the organization could benefit. Additionally, weeding out candidates based on experience is not always necessary. Many skills are trainable and can be done so with inexpensive online learning options. Unless, of course, they are reluctant to provide training.

Lack of Training

Organizations are sometimes afraid of the cost and time it will take to train a new employee. However, with online learning platforms, organizations can streamline and scale their training. This reduces travel time and cost. It also gives learners and trainers the flexibility to work together asynchronously, so there is no longer the need to work out scheduling conflicts.

Content vendors offer generic and personalized training for organizations. Soft skills training programs may already be available at a reasonable cost from a content vendor. This is an excellent option for organizations that are interested in improving employee skills at a minimal investment. Content vendors can also develop personalized training. This is also cost-effective for organizations that cannot have an in-house training and development team.

Use Trakstar Learn to Close the Skills Gap

Another content development solution that is cost-effective and easy to use is a learning management system with integrated content development software. Learn is a learning management system that gives instructional designers the ability to design, deliver, and evaluate online learning content. Instructional designers can also use Learn to collect information about their learners, such as engagement, assessment data, and tracking. Learn is an easy, cost-effective way to bridge the skills gap. To give Trakstar Learn a try, request a demonstration of the Learn platform.