the job expectations gap: rethinking perceptions of a good job and a good employee

Rethinking Perceptions of a Good Job and a Good Employee

www.learningexpresssolutions.com

THE JOB EXPECTATIONS GAP:

In April 2014 (U.S. Dept. of Labor (1))

4.5 million JOBS AVAILABLE

In April 2014 (U.S. Dept. of Labor (2))

92 million AMERICANS LOOKING FOR WORK

Simple math and logic are at odds here—there are plenty of Americans looking for work to fill the available jobs

This all doesn’t add up!

So what’s up with that?

(Inc.com)

The labor statistics provide some clues:

(Inc.com)

4 IN 10 EMPLOYERS REPORT DIFFICULTY FILLING VACANT POSITIONS

(Inc.com)

53% OF EMPLOYERS FACE “MAJOR CHALLENGES” RECRUITING NON-

MANAGERIAL TALENT

(Inc.com)

76% OF INC. 5000 CEOS REPORT FINDING QUALIFIED PEOPLE IS A “MAJOR PROBLEM”

When there are 20.4 times more people available than needed to fill 4.5 million jobs

WHY?

Job-seekers’ and employers’ misconceptions about the need for a college degree have

damaged the desirability of many available jobs

Employers’ and Job-seekers’ expectations are misaligned

IN SHORT:

Employers too often search for “gold standard candidates” in a sea of applications, and view

job-seekers without a college degree as under-qualified.

Job seekers who are qualified balk at blue collar or trades positions that historically don't require

a college degree.

HOW CAN WE FIX THIS?

It’s time to bridge The Job Expectations Gap.

Employers can change their perception of what is a

“GOOD EMPLOYEE”

Employers can train up their existing and future workforce with job training initiatives designed to

quickly prepare capable, although not “A+ students,” as workers

Job-applicants can change their perception of what is a

“GOOD JOB”

We often associate a good job with one that pays well—typically this means a

“white collar” job.

BLUE COLLAR JOBS PAY WELL, TOO!

Consider average annual salaries for the following:

(Forbes and Business Insider)

Plumbers $51,830

Electricians $52,910

Subway and Streetcar Operators $59,400

Transport Inspectors $65,770

Elevator Installers and Repairers $73,560

Nuclear Power Reactor Operators $77,000

Construction Managers $95,000

Doing what you’re passionate about does not always lead to earning a decent living—

doing what’s in demand does.

Many well-paying jobs are in demand, but the jobs are not easy…

BUT THEY ARE NECESSARY.

They provide things like clean, smooth roads, safe buildings & elevators,

sanitary living conditions and more.

they make our standard of living possible.

IN ESSENCE,

SO WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO SUCCEED?

It requires teaching and training the workforce to regain an “old school,”

American work ethic:

- Mike Rowe (Rowe)

Show up early, stay late and (develop) soft skills. “ ”

To do so, consider eLearning, a proven method to train up a workforce and arm

them with necessary skills needed to succeed in any job:

Math

eLearning Improves:

Reading

Writing

Other Soft Skills and More

When considering eLearning, consider

LearningExpress

solutions are easy, relevant and cost effective for identifying and training individuals for these

in-demand jobs.

LearningExpress

solutions will help you identify, train and retain workers willing to achieve and succeed in the

available jobs.

LearningExpress

solutions work to address skills gaps and adjust job expectations across many industries,

including:

LearningExpress

• Industrial and Manufacturing

• Retail and Service

• Energy, Oil and Gas

• Building and Construction

• Travel & Tourism

• And many more!

How are you handling your workforce soft-skills training?

Continue the conversation with us.

(646) 274-6434

SNolan@learningexpressllc.com

www.learningexpresssolutions.com

1. Inc.com: http://www.inc.com/magazine/201404/cait-

murphy/skills-gap-in-the-labor-force.html

2. US Dept. Labor (1) http://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/jolts.pdf

3. US Dept. Labor (2) http://www.bls.gov/news.release/empsit.a.htm

4. Rowe: http://www.engineering.com/Education/EducationArticles/ ArticleID/7663/Mike-Rowe-Suggests-a-Solution-for-the-Skills-Gap.aspx

5. Forbes: http://www.forbes.com/pictures/efkk45ieei/20-high-paying-blue-collar-jobs/

6. BusinessInsider http://www.businessinsider.com/blue-collar-jobs-college-2011-11

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