Businesses increasingly have difficulty finding employees with the knowledge and training required to meet their workforce needs. Many high school and college graduates – as well as some adult workers – lack foundational skills needed in the 21st century workplace. These include, for example, analyzing complex texts, adapting to new technologies and problem solving. This misalignment of skills exacerbates unemployment and stifles economic growth.
Business Roundtable believes a multifaceted solution involving public and private players is needed to address this skills gap problem. As a start...
- Employers must send a clear, direct “demand signal” of the foundational attributes employees must demonstrate to succeed in the workplace;
- Industry needs to sort out the large and chaotic world of industry credentials; state workforce boards and educational and training centers must understand job needs in each region and focus on helping students acquire the skills needed to fill those jobs; and
- Human resources practices must improve across industry to identify competencies gained through valid credential programs and relevant experience.