The Skills Gap

Understanding the gap

The skills gap is a complex issue, with lots of disagreement about causes and solutions. Here are some factors experts have identified:

• Not enough of the right graduates. For in-demand jobs in health care, engineering, computer science, and advanced manufacturing, there aren’t enough people being trained.
• Poor yields from automated job match programs. Some employers fill job ads with a list of ideal requirements most applicants won’t meet, resulting in low match rates and few potential candidates.
• Reluctance to provide training. Many employers would prefer that job seekers and employees provide all their own training, but this is increasingly unrealistic.
• Inadequate compensation. Some organizations can’t find candidates because the pay they offer, especially for in-demand jobs, is not competitive with other employers in their area.
• The growing need for soft skills. Many new graduates, while tech-savvy, lack basic communication skills and other critical soft skills.

Learn more

Want to learn more about this issue? Several Business Center tools provide related information:

• The Available Workforce tool provides local and national labor market information for occupations and industries.
• The Compare Occupations tool shows similarities and differences in skills related to any two occupations.
• The Competency Model Clearinghouse describes how to develop and use competency models.
• The Find Local Training Programs tool will connect you to local training programs.

Need help finding workers with the right skills? Contact your American Job Center to connect with a Business Services Representative or other resources that can help.