Most Canadian job seekers say companies create their own hiring problems by refusing to train workers rather than lacking qualified candidates, according to new survey data that highlights growing tension in the labour market.
Seventy-five per cent of job seekers say the skills gap stems from employers’ unwillingness to provide training, not from workers lacking ability, found a recent Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll survey of more than 1,000 Canadians.
The findings challenge the common narrative from employers, with 63 per cent of hiring managers saying the skills gap has widened, particularly among new hires.
Job seekers want skills-based hiring
Canadian workers overwhelmingly support moving away from degree requirements, with 84 per cent believing companies should focus on skills when hiring rather than formal education credentials.
More than seven in 10 job seekers think employers should drop some job requirements to find suitable candidates, the survey found.
Communication, work ethic, problem-solving, accountability, attitude and teamwork ranked as the most critical skills among job seekers, with at least 80 per cent considering them essential. Only two-thirds viewed technical skills and cultural fit as important, suggesting workers place higher value on soft skills.
Generational divide emerges
Younger workers show stronger support for flexible hiring practices. Seventy-two per cent of millennials and 71 per cent of Generation Z workers want companies to waive education requirements, compared to 60 per cent of Generation X and 57 per cent of baby boomers.
Similarly, 70 per cent of millennials and 67 per cent of Gen Z workers say company requirements are too strict, compared to about 62 per cent of older generations.
Employers adapt but challenges remain
Despite the criticism, many employers have begun adjusting their approach. Eighty-six per cent of hiring managers report their companies have waived job requirements to fill positions, most commonly years of experience (52 per cent), followed by soft skills (35 per cent), hard skills (32 per cent), educational degrees (31 per cent) and professional certifications (29 per cent).
Sixty per cent of companies will make exceptions to job requirements in some cases, and 67 per cent are open to waiving degree requirements.
However, 38 per cent of employers admit they don’t know how to evaluate certifications or online degrees, which may limit their adoption of alternative credentials.
Most employers (75 per cent) believe their companies have the tools needed to close skills gaps, yet the disconnect with job seekers persists.
Worker loyalty tied to training
Job seekers signal they will reward companies that invest in their development. Ninety-one per cent say they would be more likely to stay with employers that provide resources to address skills gaps or offer training to help new hires fit company culture.
“In today’s evolving labour market, adaptability is increasingly recognized as a critical asset by both employers and job seekers,” said Express CEO Bob Funk, Jr. “Many business leaders are finding that while priorities may differ, there’s common ground in practical strategies, such as flexible qualifications and onboarding programs focused on long-term growth. These approaches help bridge gaps in expectations while maintaining the high standards that drive sustainable success.”
The survey data comes from two separate polls conducted by The Harris Poll between November and December 2024, including 505 Canadian hiring decision-makers and 505 Canadian adults aged 18 and older.
