4 Ways Technical Schools Can Solve the Skills Gap
One of the biggest challenges for businesses is hiring the right talent. Because there is a shortage of workers and the modern workplace is evolving so rapidly, it’s nearly impossible to find employees with a perfect skillset. HR managers know this, and report that 58% of their workers require new skills to accomplish their tasks.
87% of companies are either experiencing the existing skills gap or expect it to affect them within the next few years. (Image Source)
As a result, considerable resources are dedicated to training and upskilling current employees. However, the problem needs to be addressed at its root cause—hiring people with the right skills. Talent acquisition teams willing to reconsider their hiring processes will enjoy the benefits of recruiting top talent from technical schools.
What is the Skills Gap?
“Skills gap” refers to the misalignment between employees’ capabilities and the employer’s needs, especially one that impacts operational productivity. When organizations can’t find people with the appropriate skills to fill roles, productivity, revenue—and even the economy—are all impacted.
4 Ways Technical Schools Solve the Skills Gap in the Job Market
Vocational education is gaining popularity among learners. Here are some reasons technical schools are key to addressing the skills gap in the job market today.
- Technical Schools Produce More Students with Less Student Debt
Technical schools are more affordable than traditional colleges. Hiring employees with no worries about student debt benefits organizations a great deal: employees with lower financial burdens are 7.1% more productive.
Reskilling and upskilling are much easier for engaged employees, who are free to focus on the tasks at hand, suggest creative solutions, and develop strategies that will help organizations remain competitive in their industries.
- Technical Schools Are More Industry-Focused
The manufacturing industry, in particular, is facing a critical shortage of skilled workers. The challenge will become even more prevalent, as the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that demand for blue-collar jobs will grow until 2030.
While there may be enough applicants, not all will have the training and skills needed for the job. This is where technical schools come in. Technical schools provide work-ready workers equipped with industry-focused knowledge and expertise.
- Technical Schools Produce Graduates Faster
Another major advantage of a technical school over a traditional college is the time required to complete the curriculum. Since lessons in technical skills are industry-focused, students study only subjects necessary to become successful in their field. This reduced time-to-market, so to speak, helps a great deal in resolving the skills gap in the job market.
Consider the current nursing shortage. The skills gap in the healthcare industry is substantial, with many nurses retiring and more people requiring medical care. In many cases, hiring medical assistants trained within 10 months to a year can ease the burden, rather than waiting for registered nurses to complete their four-year education.
- Technical Schools Provide Hands-On, Practical Skills
In almost all technical schools, the curriculum gives students more than just theoretical knowledge. They also get hands-on, real-life experience. For instance, students enrolled in a paramedics training program spend clinical hours in an actual hospital setting to get a feel for the real working environment. For employers, particularly in fast-paced industries like healthcare, this means new hires become effective on the job more quickly.
Technical School Graduates Are Ready to Work
The skills gap will continue to be a problem if businesses rely on colleges and universities to produce fully-equipped workers. Knowledge and skills don’t all come from books and lessons within the walls of a classroom—practical skills and capabilities are developed through the hands-on education earned on a technical campus. Employers who recognize the benefits of vocational education will be taking a big step ahead in the race to close the skills gap.
Check out our Programs section to learn more about what career pathways technical schools offer.
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