Yesterday was Youth World Skills Day – a UN initiative that recognizes the potential of young people as catalysts for change and contributors to a prosperous and sustainable future for all.
But what is it that employers actually want from a skills perspective?
And is it up to employers to equip young people with the skills they need for employment?
Here we take a look at what a selection of employers actually saying:
Technology must act as an attractor of talent:
Lotte Sodemann Sørensen, vice president of human resources, Universal Robots, says:
“Investing in technology not only enhances worker development but also boosts a company’s appeal as an employer. This is especially true for younger workers, many of whom need persuading that manufacturing jobs are safe and rich in opportunities for professional development. “ She adds: “Offering development programs and career planning, combined with updating technology and machinery, can enrich employee skills. Keeping production updated with new technology and encouraging employees to familiarize themselves with these digitized trends is a great way to remain an attractive workplace.”
Integrating real-work experience:
Clare Loveridge, VP & GM EMEA, Arctic Wolf, says:
“Integrating real-world experience to address the cybersecurity skills gap needs to be a key focus among both businesses and educational organizations alike: “This begins by ensuring STEM students are taught the practical problem-solving skills actually required for cybersecurity careers. But cybersecurity firms should offer internships and work experiences to prepare students for what a career in cybersecurity looks like. This will ensure that when they graduate, they are ultimately ready to hit the ground running.” She argues the advent of generative AI and technologies like ChatGPT underscores the importance of building a new generation of skilled younger workers, capable of navigating this entirely new landscape.
Employers must meet career growth aspirations:
Laura Maffucci, Head of HR, G-P (Globalization Partners), says:
“G-P’s 2023 Global Growth Report highlighted that Gen Z-aged employees overwhelmingly (85%) said that companies that hire from multiple countries offer more opportunities to grow their careers.” She adds: “With skill demands varying across different industries and regions, companies are shifting towards hiring based on potential. This approach acknowledges that candidates who are smart and motivated can adapt to new skills given the right learning and training opportunities. This can include res-killing in both tech and soft skills. Tech skills typically involve targeted certifications or learning to use new technologies or systems, while soft skills include connective intelligence or the ability to be agile, pivot quickly, and connect the dots between their work and the other work in the organization. Leading with empathy and understanding employees’ skills, strengths, and aspirations allows for better workforce management, talent development, and strategic planning, ultimately creating environments where younger generations can thrive.”
Employers must up-skill:
Chris Herbert, chief content officer, Pluralsight emphasizes the need for investment in up-skilling talent amid significant technology skill gaps which are holding organizations back: “Research shows 78% of organizations have had to abandon projects due to a lack of employees with the right skills to carry them out.” He adds: “Investing in up-skilling and re-skilling the workforce allows businesses to modernize and create fulfilling careers for tech workers. Online learning platforms, bootcamps, apprenticeships, and certification programs are also effective in supplementing traditional education, equipping young professionals with the required tech skills.”
Talent pools need diversifying:
David Spillane, systems engineering director, Fortinet says:
“There is an urgent need to address the skills gap in the cybersecurity and IT sectors and to do this, recruitment pools need diversifying Thousands of job vacancies remain unfilled because candidates without the ‘right’ skills are turned away,” he says. “The digital skills gap is widening. Everyone has a part to play in solving this challenge, and leaders must think outside the box when hiring young talent, including diversifying recruitment pools by hiring candidates from non-traditional backgrounds and investing in cybersecurity training and certifications to up-skill teams once hired. This will allow businesses to close the skills gap and attract the next generation of talent to ensure young people lacking the technical skills many deem vital for these sectors aren’t being passed up.”
More mentorship:
Gemma Donnelly, electronics technician, Dexory, says:
“Mentorship plays a crucial role in helping young people develop the skills necessary for a successful career. When working in childcare, I would’ve never envisioned I’d end up having a career building cutting edge robots. It was only through the guidance of my aunt that I made the transition into the tech industry, learning to solder and assemble electronics despite having no technical background. Having someone experienced guiding you can have a life changing impact on a young person’s career, but they also need to be ready to embrace the unexpected and be open to exploring new career paths. I encourage young people to seek out knowledgeable mentors, welcome new challenges, and remain resilient as they navigate their career journeys.”
Equipping young people for AI:
Pam Maynard, CEO, Avanade, says:
“Equipping young people with AI skills prepares them for success in a technology-driven future. However, unequal access, lack of regulation, and potential biases in AI are significant issues that could undermine its benefits. Young people are the tech innovators and policymakers of the future so must be equipped with the knowledge to balance innovation with ethical standards. As we all adapt to a world where working alongside AI is the norm, we have a duty to ensure that young people are well-positioned to ensure AI serves all societal segments fairly, safely and inclusively.”
Preparing talent for a technology-driven future: developing collaborative skills
James Fisher, Chief Strategy Officer, Qlik, says:
“Advanced technologies like AI have created many new opportunities for the new generation. But this is all driven by data. Education institutions and businesses must continuously up-skill young people with modern data and AI literacy skills, crucial across all sectors. Prioritising ongoing learning in the workplace ensures young employees gain necessary data skills to thrive in our data-driven world.” Emphasizing that young people need to develop collaboration skills to work effectively with both humans and machines, Jessica Guistolise, Evangelist, Lucid, says: “For those entering the tech industry, it’s important to understand how to collaborate effectively with their team members and learn how to optimise the use of AI responsibly. Mastering these skills will help them be adaptable, have the ability to prioritize tasks, communicate effectively and fully leverage AI to contribute to the success of their projects and initiatives.”