Mind the (Talent) Gap
Lorna Donatone
President and COO of Sodexo Education
It’s hard to avoid the topic of the talent gap; online pundits, academic think tanks and the media routinely debate the source of the problem and possible solutions. Accolo.com reports that employers are frustrated; 40% of businesses are having trouble finding qualified applicants for key positions. Worse, 55% confirmed that these talent issues were affecting their ability to meet client needs.
Bottom line, what U.S. schools are teaching and what kids are learning is not translating into practical skills that make them employable. Technology and computer sciences – the STEM subjects – are not being widely taught, so these vital skills are lacking in the workplace. Even Monster.com weighs in on the subject, advising companies to take a two-pronged approach, retaining baby boomer employees as long as possible while tapping into young talent though corporate thought leader involvement in schools as guest speakers or school board members to influence the school’s curriculum and talent pipeline.
