Three in four U.S. organizations cannot find job candidates with the right skills, according to a new report from the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).
The white paper, released March 11, calls on employers, educators, and policymakers to work together to close widening gaps between what schools teach and what workplaces need.
SHRM’s research also found that 30 per cent of employers say candidates lack so-called “power skills” such as problem-solving, communication, and adaptability.
K-12 education
The report examines three talent pipelines: kindergarten-to-Grade-12 schooling, post-secondary education, and untapped worker groups.
On the K-12 front, SHRM recommends embedding technical and foundational skills into school curricula, along with greater exposure to vocational training and career awareness programs.
The goal is to help students build confidence and practical skills before they enter the workforce.
Post-secondary alignment
For colleges and universities, the report recommends aligning academic programs with current labour market needs by partnering with local employers.
It also calls for more work-based learning, such as internships and co-op placements, built directly into degree programs.
Students should be able to see a clear connection between their credentials and real job opportunities, the report says.
Untapped talent pools
The report highlights several groups that are often passed over in traditional hiring, including veterans, caregivers, workers with disabilities, and older workers.
SHRM says removing hiring barriers and creating clear pathways to employment can help organizations fill critical roles while building more inclusive teams.
“Repairing the pipeline requires educators, policymakers, and HR leaders to work in lockstep so learners can transition seamlessly into meaningful careers,” said Emily M. Dickens, chief administrative officer at SHRM. “HR professionals must lead the solution by leveraging strategy, partnerships, and data to bridge the gap between education and employment.”
The white paper is part of SHRM’s Education to Employment initiative, which examines barriers across the full workforce pipeline from classroom to career. SHRM represents nearly 340,000 members in 180 countries.
