The Missing Piece to the Skills Gap Puzzle Infographic

The Missing Piece to the Skills Gap Puzzle Infographic

More than half of employers nationwide have an open job for which they cannot find qualified candidates, and 8 in 10 have difficulty filling positions altogether. The Missing Piece to the Skills Gap Puzzle Infographic clears up misconceptions about the skills gap and reveals ways in which every one of us can work together to bridge it.

The skills gap is a real and growing issue affecting many aspects of many industries. Employers, job seekers and academia are all aware of its existence and, to some degree, their role in its formation. Employers cannot find skilled candidates to fill their open jobs, but show resistance to investing in training for new employees. Most job seekers are saddled with debt from an excellent education that has nevertheless left them without the crucial, job-specific skills employers desire. Academia understand this problem as well, but struggle to institute change quickly enough to solve the problem.

Although the skills gap looms large, a concerted effort by all parties will be the strongest avenue to turning the situation around. If the skills gap continues to widen, the consequences could be dire. Employers will not be able to replace skilled workers who retire or move on, unemployment rates will rise, and the value of college education may decrease. Employers must embrace change and invest creatively in the skills of their workforce, and they must also begin to consider more competitive compensation. Job seekers should actively strive to add marketable skills to their résumés, and academia must dedicate themselves to communicating to employers the top qualities they look for in a new hire. When each group begins to shift their efforts in these directions, they will lay the foundation of a lasting solution.

Read also: The Shocking Truth About The Skills Gap Report