However, the focus on attending university may not be having the desired effect when graduates attempt to enter the labour force. While higher education provides people with the theoretical knowledge of their industry, employers are growing concerned about a lack of practical experience and work-relevant skills.
In fact, a May 20 report from international professional services firm PwC found that almost two-thirds of employers around the globe are worried that they won’t be able to find the workers with the skills they need.
“The gap between the skills of the current workforce and the skills businesses need to achieve their growth plans is widening. Despite rising business confidence equating to more jobs, organisations are struggling to find the right people to fill these positions,” PwC Global HR Consulting Leader Michael Rendell explained.
With more people attending university, it is clear that the skills employers are most interested in are generally not being taught through this channel. In fact, most business leaders would prefer candidate’s to hold work experience and practical skills, rather than a university degree.
This idea is supported by a number of surveys recently conducted by various industry researchers. Apprenticeship researcher City & Guilds found more than half (55 per cent) of employers would be willing to hire someone without a college degree, yet only 20 per cent would employ a candidate who held no work experience.
Further research from workforce analyst Millennial Branding revealed that almost two-thirds of employers would consider hiring an employee that had never completed a day in university.
This shift towards work experience is encouraging news for anyone currently working in or considering an apprenticeship or traineeship in Queensland.
Apprenticeships and traineeships are great ways for individuals to access training and qualifications in their chosen field, while also gaining the specific skills and knowledge that employers require. For instance, a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship enables a Year 11 or 12 student to undertake work in their desired industry, effectively bridging the gap between education and employment by ensuring the individual hold the necessary experience.
Because of this, it is important for students and school leavers to consider the merits of undertaking an apprenticeship or traineeship in Australia. If you would like more information on a training or apprenticeship program, contact the BUSY At Work team today.
By Leanne de Toerkenczy, Public Relations Coordinator
