With the employment rate in the US still being high - and the increase in the number of those looking for employment - it would appear on the surface that employers seeking quality staff would find it easy, but 82 per cent of HR professionals stated that they have had difficulty recruiting suitable job candidates in the last 12 months. According to a poll of 500 senior executives, there is a severe skills gap in the American workforce. The poll includes which skills employers feel are most lacking.
Of the business leaders polled, 92 per cent are of the opinion that Americans are lacking essential skills and 44 per cent think that they are lacking in soft skills – which include communication, creativity, critical thinking and collaboration. Thus, whilst candidates may look good on paper, they do not know how to work effectively within a team or in an office environment.
Other areas senior executives thought workers to be lacking in skills were: 22 per cent technical; 14 per cent leadership and 12 per cent software.
When asked which industries are most affected by the skills gap, 30 per cent of the respondents stated manufacturing; 21 per cent technology; 19 per cent professional services and 16 per cent engineering and construction. Finance and the Leisure Industry were each showing 2 per cent.
Of the business leaders polled, 64 per cent stated that they thought the lack of skills would result in less investment in US companies; 34 per cent thought product development would suffer; 45 per cent thought growth opportunities would be missed and 30 per cent were of the opinion that profits would suffer.
Executives were asked if they thought the education system was to blame and 59 per cent stated that they did – with 54 per cent stating that they did not think the education system taught the skills needed. Lack of interest in the job sector was cited by 23 per cent of the respondents and 22 per cent stated they thought there was a lack of training and enrichment opportunities.
On being asked what executives believed would alleviate the skills gap, 89 per cent stated corporate apprenticeships or training programs. However, when questioned as to why all companies were not implementing training programs, 10 per cent of executives cited lack of personnel to administer them; 18 per cent said lack of interest by employees; 30 per cent do not think the executive team believe it is a priority and 42 per cent think it is because of the cost of development.
The skills gap issue brings an opportunity for HR professionals to better understand the skill needs of their organizations.
