Organisations have often reported their frustration about the lack of skilled candidates posing a real threat to future business growth. Whether it is the shortage of skilled recruits at entry level, the growing need for specialist knowledge or global skills demand exceeding supply, few organisations are immune to this serious challenge to long term economic growth and sustainability. In the latest Hays Journal, the recruiter explores how global organisations are now working with education providers in an attempt to address the skill shortages.
Charles Logan, Director at Hays says, “We have long heard employers complaining that young people are leaving higher and further education with great academic qualifications, but a lack of basic workplace skills such as team working, communication, initiative and punctuality. Rather than waiting for a government led solution, organisations are tackling this issue themselves.”
In a recent survey of jobseekers, Hays found the vast majority said workplace training was the best route to career progression. In a highly competitive and crowded job market, internships and other career training schemes are increasingly important to make sure employees can get a foot in the door, make their CV stand out from the crowd and continue to learn new skills. Career training programmes give employers the chance to work with potential employees and train new workers from scratch. The survey found that on-the-job training (68%) and using an in-house training department (50%) were both viewed as an effective use of training.
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“These findings reflect an emerging global trend for businesses and academic institutions to form partnerships to create industry specific training,” continues Logan. “These programmes, including apprenticeships, focus on the required technical skills without compromising the qualification’s academic value. This addresses short-term skills demand and will help to meet future workplace requirements.”
