How to Address the Global Skills Gap

 

This webinar, hosted by Brandon Hall Group, featured a panel discussion on leveraging training to address the global skills gap. Moderated by Michael Rochelle, Chief Strategy Officer at Brandon Hall Group, the session included insights from Jeff Walter (Latitude Learning), Julie Kelly (GE Healthcare), TJ Houske (Otava), and Eddie Hightower Jr. (Caliber Collision).

The discussion focused on innovative strategies for equipping today’s workforce with the skills needed to meet evolving job requirements and business demands.

Key Takeaways
Challenges in the Global Skills Gap
  • Skill Evolution: A significant percentage of current and new job roles require reskilling and upskilling due to rapid technological advances.
  • Employee Retention: Learning is emerging as a key tool for retaining talent, with gaps negatively affecting productivity, customer satisfaction, and revenue.
  • Cultural Shifts: Organizations need a culture that supports continuous learning and reduces the fear of failure among employees.
Role of Technology in Addressing the Skills Gap
  • Enabling, Not Replacing: While technology cannot fully replace hands-on learning, it can enable scalable and efficient training through tools like Learning Management Systems (LMS), simulations, and video-based training.
  • Scalability: Technology is essential for scaling training programs to meet the demands of a dispersed and diverse workforce.
  • AI’s Potential: Artificial intelligence is expected to drive the next wave of technological transformation, presenting both challenges and opportunities in workforce development.
Organizational Strategies
  • Blended Learning Approaches: Combining on-the-job training with technology-enabled learning ensures both knowledge acquisition and skill application.
  • Proactive Talent Development: Employers are developing their own training programs, such as Caliber Collision’s apprenticeship initiative, to address shortages in skilled labor.
  • Alignment with Career Growth: Engaging employees by aligning training with their career aspirations enhances motivation and long-term retention.
Barriers to Closing the Skills Gap
  • Common constraints include limited budgets, insufficient training staff, and difficulties in scaling programs. Despite this, technology often remains an underutilized resource in many organizations.
Panelist Insights
  • Jeff Walter: Emphasized the need for organizations to embrace technology to develop both knowledge and practical skills.
  • Julie Kelly: Highlighted the importance of trust and culture in fostering continuous learning and overcoming the fear of failure.
  • TJ Hsky: Advocated for clear communication and structured career growth plans to bridge skill gaps effectively.
  • Eddie Hightower Jr.: Stressed the necessity of balancing hands-on training with technological solutions to ensure proficiency and efficiency.
Conclusion

Closing the global skills gap requires a multifaceted approach involving cultural transformation, technology integration, and proactive training programs. Organizations must view learning as a strategic enabler of retention, productivity, and growth. By embracing lifelong learning and fostering environments where employees feel supported, companies can not only address immediate skill shortages but also prepare for future workforce challenges driven by technological advancements.