More than likely you’ve heard of this problem before.
Let’s sum it up; there are a lot of jobs that are available but applicants are not qualified for them.
Think about it like this……
10,000 baby boomers will reach 65 years in age EVERY DAY for the next 20 YEARS.* Many of those are employees that will retire, opening up several new jobs for the unemployed BUT –
Did you know that 2 out of 3 hiring managers struggle to find the right candidates to fill their openings? That’s right! 2 out of 3! One survey states that 61% of hiring officials agree that there is a shortage in skilled applicants. 56% said not having the appropriate training or educated staff members negatively impacts their business and 48% say their company is below their targeted headcount. *
Another survey said that 92% of top executives believe there is definitely a job skills gap in the workforce today. 44% believe “soft skills” like communication, critical thinking, creativity and collaboration skills are the majority of the problem. 22% say it’s the lack in technical knowledge, 14% strong leadership skills and 12% is a computer based problem. Only 8% believe that there is not a skills gap in the workforce. ***
Some say that applicants are not prepared for the workplace and that internship and apprenticeships are the best way to fill the job skills gap but others blame it on Corporate America.
By 2020 it is possible that there will be a shortage of 1.5 million applicants with a college education.*
WOW. That sure is a lot of jobs that will go unfilled!
In a survey from the National Association of Colleges and Employers, companies plan to hire candidates who majored in Accounting, Business, Computer Science, Economics, Engineering and Nursing. **
Currently 69 million people work in middle level skilled jobs. That is 48% (nearly half) of the U.S. workforce. The same skills category represents only 47% of all new job openings that may become available through 2020. *
So what does that leave us with? 53% of the jobs that will become available from today through 2020 will not have qualified candidates to perform the jobs correctly.
Are you inadequately trained or lack a degree in your field? You may want to take advantage while you still can and go back to school, take some classes, get certified or get your foot in the door with an internship, externship or apprenticeship. Educate yourself for the future and start training today.
*Infographic: Randstad – www.randstadusa.com – The Root of the Skills Gap
**The National Association of Colleges and Employers – Randstadusa.com – The Root of the Skills Gap
***Jobs skills gap: The Basics become a problem