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
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
RESOURCES:
