663- An Alignment Problem

Episode: 663

Episode Title: An Alignment Problem

 

The skills gap boils down to a lack of alignment between education and employment. Here’s why this matters, next on The Perna Syndicate.

 

Ep 663 show:

You’re now in The Perna Syndicate—welcome! The skills gap could have an outsized effect on the economy. I’m talking to the tune of some $8.5 trillion in lost revenue by 2030, if Korn Ferry’s estimates are correct. 

 

This is obviously a big deal, but it’s not the only negative outcome. We have a serious alignment problem between education and employment. Gen Z is projected to become the most educated generation in history. But if what they’re learning has no practical application or skills for the fast-changing workplace, they will not be able to step into the breach. 

 

As a country we are working so hard to get students into college, but what if colleges aren’t aligned with what the job market demands? In this case, someday having a college degree could be more of a liability than an asset. 

 

I know that the world of work is a moving target. Terms like “lifelong learner,” “upskilling,” and “reskilling” have become part of our everyday lingo because technology and labor needs are changing so quickly. It’s hard for higher education to keep pace. I get it.

 

This is why I advocate for professional skills to be taught at every level of education and training. Professional skills are simply the traits and abilities that a person needs to thrive as a professional in the workplace. 

 

Leadership, communication, punctuality, critical thinking, and so many more…these professional skills don’t expire, they’re timeless and universal. We’ve got to start teaching these skills if we want to make the skills gap a thing of the past.  

 

Tomorrow on The Perna Syndicate, what are some of the solutions to the skills gap? We’ll share those next time. See you then!




By browsing this website, you agree to our privacy policy.
I Agree