Competency Gaps in the United States
The lack of skills that exists in the United States of America as a result of regional mismatch, cyclical changes, insufficient training levels, and the reorganization of the labor market is one of the most basic problems that the country confronts. If you are still searching for and deciding on a college major, it may be beneficial to check out for the list of skill shortages in the United States and then select a job in a sector that is high in demand. If you do this, you will have a better chance of being successful in your chosen field.
The long-term economic prosperity is expected to be harmed owing to the exceptional talent shortage that is being faced by the United States according to SHRM. There is a mismatch between supply and demand because there is a scarcity of competent employees to fill the job vacancies that are available for highly trained people. This has resulted in an imbalance.
According to the data that was published by SHRM in 2019, there were 7 million available jobs in December of 2018, but only 6.3 million individuals who were jobless were actively seeking for employment. This discrepancy is not a good sign for the sector as a whole or for employers. It is quite possible that in the next years it will hinder both growth and innovation.
Employers have expressed frustration in recent years about the difficulty of filling skilled positions, particularly those requiring employees to possess graduate degrees in the STEM sectors (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). Because of the mismatch between supply and demand, practically every sector now suffers from a lack of available labor. It is actually more difficult for companies to fill blue-collar jobs than it is to fill professional jobs that demand a college degree since blue-collar jobs require less knowledge.
It's no longer the case that computer engineers are the toughest employees to find. There is a lack of labor in the hospitality industry, particularly in home health care aides, restaurant workers, and hotel personnel. Following graduation from high school, an increasing number of young people in the United States are opting to pursue further education or entering the workforce in professional capacities. There is also a "culture" or "push" to assess success in terms of the amount of "further education" one has obtained. Many high schools in the US still look at university placement as a measure of their performance, even if the kid may not be ready for it or be a suitable match. At the same time, a large number of baby boomers from working-class families are reaching retirement age.
Because of this, the lack of competent labor in the United States has become even more severe. In terms of finding long-term solutions, it is time that the school system in the United States encourages technical education and portrays it as a good and top career option for young people who are suitable for entering the workforce.
The survey also underlines the fact that 75 percent of HR professionals who encounter trouble recruiting applicants think that there is a talent deficit of capabilities among candidates for job vacancies. This information is highlighted in the report. There are certain abilities that are in more demand than others. Generally, respondents felt that candidates lack tech skills (those connected with particular knowledge and training) more so than workplace or “soft” abilities that are important regardless of sector or job type. According to the research, the following are the top three technical abilities that are lacking:
Trade skills
Data analysis/ data science
The fields of science, engineering, and medicine
The top 3 deficient soft skills are:
Problem-solving, critical thinking
Negotiating in wake of complexity & ambiguity
Communication
As a result of their inability to locate qualified people from within the local talent pool to execute particular professions, companies have raised the number of job opportunities that they are offering as well as the breadth of abilities that they are demanding from job applicants. This paves the way for a myriad of opportunities, both for foreign students and for the global labor market.
The following are examples of abilities that are in high demand in the United States:
Analysts of Computer and Information Systems
Web Developers
The Architects of Computer Networks
Managers on the Front Lines of Retail Sales Operations
Engineers Who Work in Software
Professionals in Accounting and Auditing
Professionals in the fields of Market Research Analysis and Marketing
Professionals Specializing in Human Resources and Training
Administrators of Computer Networks and Operating Systems
Engineers Specializing in Industry and Mechanical Work
Sales Representative