TRAINING
‘A large percentage of
managers also say that
today’s applicants can’t think
critically and creatively, solve
problems, or write well.’
often hear employers and business leaders complaining that
their demand for talent is not being met by the current supply.
A survey in the US by St. Louis Community College found
that more than 60% of employers say applicants lack crucial
‘communication and interpersonal skills’.
A large percentage of managers also say that today’s
applicants can’t think critically and creatively, solve problems,
or write well. What seems to be required is a collaborative
effort by employers and educational leaders to shape the most
urgent directives for the future of education, with the help of
extensive two-way feedback.
As the demographics of the workforce and skills-needs keep
shifting rapidly, education policy leaders, university systems,
and industry leaders must work together to build a competitive
workforce by modifying the education system to provide
market-relevant hard skills, and also proactively nurturing
‘soft’ skills. like empathy, creativity, and leadership among
current and prospective employees. The author, Dr Retha du
Randt, is a senior lecturer in Unisa’s Dep