The "skills gap" from the viewpoint of employers
There was a recent article http://finance.yahoo.com/news/employers-skills-gap-not-problem-100000789.html in the news which said that employers don't feel that it's their job to "fix" the skills gap that exists today. What role, in your opinion, do employers have in addressing this problem and is this something your institution is addressing?
Sherry,
I am glad to hear that. Thani unfortunately response. Keep asking for feedback and responding to it!
Sheri Leach
In the placement department we do send out employer surveys after our gradutes have been hired. We have recieved feedback for example some students/grads had few front office skills, or were not personable. We worked with that instuctor and created a work shop for sharpening those skills for her students.
Sherry,
Feedback from employers is critical. What you do as an institution with that feedback will determine your success. Have you been able to implement changes based on the employer feedback?
Remember to let the employer know the changes that you made based on their feedback. This will strengthen your relationship, as the employer will feel respected and valued.
Sheri Leach
The most effective yet limited feedback we get as an institution is sending out surveys to employers as well as our facilities that take interns. Though it is a small market, they give us feedback on how we can improve our programs and or what the students could benefit from. We encourage our students to also seek out certificates or free online training that is specific to the type of place they are applying to, to attempt to better match skill sets.
April,
Your comments are not to be taken lightly, since you have experience "on both sides". It is critical for success that both the extern coordinator and the career services professional be mindful of the needs of the employer. The employer will only see value in working with us and hiring our graduates if we provide what they need and want. School professionals need to select the students and graduates that match what the employer is seeking and who will be a good fit. It is never good practice to send everyone and see who works out.
The skills gap will be minimized when proper matches are made. Institutions can provide extra training where needed to help improve a student's skill set. Are you aware of anything that will help?
Sheri Leach
I believe it is 'very' true that employers don't feel it's their job to fix the skills gap. And, I believe that MUCH of the skill gap can be reduced by placing appropriately aligned individuals to teach the programs themselves; and, furthermore to ensure appropriately aligned placement of career placement personnel within the institution.
As a working pharmacist who has served as a preceptor for many technician students attending other schools (in addition to my role in our pharmacy technician school), I see 'directly' the issues which many students have had at different institutions. And, I see the direct disconnect which exists at institutions with non-pharmacy personnel serving in career placement positions versus having only highly-skilled technicians or pharmacists working in these roles.
Regardless of the 'type' of vocational programming one speaks of, I think the candor, understanding, and ultimate success of placing students comes from partnerships with the community where both sides of the table are like-situated colleagues--because here there is a real understanding of the issues, and both sides feel is 'ok' as colleagues to speak openly in order to reach mutual goals.
Jennifer,
Terrific branding idea Jennifer! I have seen this work very well at many institutions where they have partnered with AB or PAC to create an awareness with employers that soft-skills are being addressed and that the students who are "100% Club" certified have completed the soft-skills training.
Has anyone else branded a soft-skills training with your employers and do you encourage your grads to talk about it on interviews?
Ann Cross
Ann,
In order to address this, we partner mainly through the Advisory Boards. A few initiatives we are thinking about it offering "Professionalism" awards that bring awareness to attendance, attire, attitude. I've observed it done at my previous college. It was titled the "100% Club".
Jennifer
Jennifer,
Has your institution partnered with local employers to address how, together, you can address the skills gap? What specific steps did you or could you take to bridge the gap and create unity with your hiring employers?
Ann Cross
I believe that all employers should implement a professional development program that will ensure their workforce is up to date with skills. Though employers should not be the only means of fixing the skills gap, they can contribute to it by having such a program.
