Fast-paced digital developments have left recruiters in a state of confusion regarding what skill sets to look for in employees. And they find it extremely difficult to find the right skills for specific jobs in employees. One of the most affected countries is the United Kingdom, which not only has to deal with these changes but also with the uncertainty in the market after Brexit.
Let’s examine the scenario in the UK in detail:
Impact of Brexit
The UK has been experiencing uncertainty when it comes to hiring skilled labor after Brexit. With the rapid industrialization taking place worldwide, the need for skilled labor is bound to increase. Employers expect high demand for skilled workers and inadequate supply.
Most UK employers hired qualified employees from the EU. But after Brexit, finding employees with skill sets that match the job requirements has become a challenge.
“Fourth Industrial Revolution”
Some recruitment magazines refer to the digital turmoil in the UK as the fourth industrial revolution. Do questions arise about how relevant university education is in current times? As new technologies, systems and processes are developed day after day, continuous learning is the need of the hour! Just getting a degree and finding a job based on that will not be enough for either the employer or the employee.
To deal with the 4th industrial revolution, it is essential to emphasize technology education.
How to tackle the problem?
• The Government can structure the education system to develop the necessary skills in students. Job-oriented courses that are aligned with emerging technologies can now be introduced. Digital skills must become part of the school and university curriculum. Once the student knows the basic concepts of digital technology, it will be easier to understand new and advanced concepts.
• Recruiters need to change their perspective. Recruitment should be done not only based on college degree, but also looking for employees who have varied experience, skills, and learning ability.
• Employers themselves can take responsibility for training employees in the necessary skills. One of the best ways to train employees is through apprenticeship training. It is also beneficial for companies to hire apprentices.
• Good leadership and management skills in employers will also go a long way in not only planning a systematic training program to develop the necessary skill set, but also retaining trained employees.
The UK now needs to prepare to deal with the problem of finding the right skill sets for the growing demands of the industry. It is time for all stakeholders in the skills ecosystem to come together to find a solution to this problem.
