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EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE: October 8, 2009, 11:00 a.m. EasternFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Kirk MonroeOctober 8, 2009 (202) 496-3269
New Survey Reveals Obstacles to Training and Education are Threatening U.S.Competitiveness and Worker Prosperity
Post-Recession Recovery Depends on Better Trained Workforce
Washington
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A new survey released today reveals that the United States is at risk of losing itscompetitive edge and American workers’ economic potential by not addressing business’ growingdemand for a better educated and better trained workforce. American workers’ unmet need for furthereducation and training is exacerbating today’s unemployment problem and portending long-termtrouble for workers and businesses – even after the economy recovers.The survey findings show a glaring and growing need for workers with higher levels of skills andcredentials, sharply contrasted with employers’ modest efforts to provide training and workers’reluctance to pursue education and training because of serious obstacles holding them back. Forexample:
Employers expect to see an increased need for a better skilled workforce, with 65 percent of employers surveyed saying they will require an associate’s degree or higher for most positions.Looking ahead four years, employers say their greatest need will be workers with moretechnical skills, higher degrees or certifications, and improved skills or better qualifications.
Half of employers say they currently have such a serious gap between their needs andemployees’ skills that it affects their productivity.
Although they see a need for more highly skilled workers, nearly half (48 percent) of employers do not provide or require ongoing education or skills training for their employees,primarily because of cost.
Workers also understand the value of training but, like employers, are confronting barriers to making ita reality.
Sixty-two percent of workers say a convincing reason to pursue training is that the futureeconomy will be extremely demanding, and if their skills are not up to date, someone will passthem by.
However, a large proportion of workers are not pursuing training and education because of practical obstacles. Workers cite cost, convenience, and lack of reliable information on whattype of training will lead to a job or higher salaries as the top three factors preventing themfrom enhancing their skills and improving their education.
NEWS RELEASE
EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE: October 8, 2009, 11:00 a.m. Eastern
The survey, “The American Workforce,” was conducted for The Springboard Project, an independentcommission convened by Business Roundtable that is creating innovative approaches to helpingAmerican workers develop the skills they need to remain competitive in the global marketplace.The results show that in spite of hurdles, workers have a strong appetite for training:
Eight in ten workers
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regardless of income or education level
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show keen interest in pursuingfurther training and education.
The majority of workers say they would be very likely to pursue training or education if theobstacles they face could be overcome by such initiatives as programs with flexible classroomhours or enrollment periods, tuition reimbursement, online learning or programs designed andmanaged by local business leaders.“The survey findings underscore the fact that we can and must do a better job of training anddeveloping talent in the United States,” said William D. Green, chairman and CEO of Accenture andchairman of The Springboard Project. “With these findings, we can better understand the challengesfacing our workforce,and developing and implementing solutions to overcome them is critical toensuring America’s future.”“If ever there was a time to recommit to worker training and education in America, that time is now.As a former Governor of West Virginia, I’ve seen firsthand the challenge in ensuring that workers,employers and the government all understand the return on investment,” said Bob Wise, President of the Alliance for Excellent Education, and a member of The Springboard Project.The survey findings point to solutions for strengthening the country’s commitment to training andeducation, including greater collaboration between business and educational institutions. Workersexpressed strong support for partnerships among government, businesses and colleges to help workersafford and gain access to skills training and education programs. “We know that when educators andemployers work together, students receive not only basic skills that will allow them to continue theireducation, but also the specific capabilities that employers are looking for when making hiringdecisions,” said Gail Mellow, Ph.D., President of LaGuardia Community College in New York Cityand a member of The Springboard Project.The Springboard Project will use the survey findings to develop recommendations for business,government and education institutions on how they can collaborate creatively to help workers acquirethe training and education they want and need. These recommendations will be released in a finalreport later this year.
Key findings of survey probing the attitudes and perceptions of workers and employers abouttraining and educationProfile of today’s workers
Strong appetite for training and education: More than 80% are willing to participate intraining/education outside the workplace—regardless of income or education level.
Highly motivated by potential to earn more and stay marketable in future economy: 71% find itvery convincing that new jobs with family-supporting wage require post-high school
EMBARGOED FOR RELEASE: October 8, 2009, 11:00 a.m. Eastern
education; 62% find it very convincing that future jobs will be more demanding and thattraining is critical to remain competitive.
Held back by practical obstacles to training and education: 43% cite inconvenience; 37% citecost, including half of those earning less than $50,000 a year; 25% point to lack of customization, lack of accreditation and general time constraints.
Very willing to pursue training/education if programs were more convenient and offeredgreater flexibility: 62% would be “very likely” to pursue education if classes were offeredyear-round and at times that accommodate their work schedules.
Want reassurance that investing in training and education will pay off: 41% see risks topursuing skills training now because they are unsure about what their job will require in thefuture.
Confident if they have pursued training: Nearly three-quarters of those who previouslyparticipated in training feel “somewhat” or “very” confident they could secure work if they losttheir job.
Self-motivated to strengthen their skills: Nearly 50% have spent 4+ hours outside of work gaining information or skills to improve their work.
Are under the wrong impression that we are in an “equal opportunity recession:” 70% think therecession is costing people jobs regardless of education or skill level, when in fact thedownturn is falling hardest on low-wage workers who have less education and lower skilllevels.
Profile of today’s employers
Demanding better-educated workers: 65% anticipate hiring “all,” “most” or “some” workerswith associate’s degrees or higher.
Wrestling with undertrained workforce: Half see a sizeable gap between their needs andemployees’ skills.
More likely to be growing if training their workforce: Employers offering training are nearlytwice as likely to increase their workforce.
View business as well as colleges/universities – not government – as responsible for educatingand training the workforce: 84% of employers feel that businesses and educational institutionsshould play a primary role in creating education and job training programs. Relatively few(only 14%) look to government to play this role.
See themselves (91%) and individuals (87%) as responsible for funding training and education:Nearly half of employers (45%) believe government should have no role in funding theseprograms..
See a considerable deficit of “soft skills” among workers: Employers see shortage of fundamental workplace skills such as punctuality, professionalism, strong work ethic and timemanagement among current workforce .
Methodology
The American Workforce survey was conducted by Benenson Strategy Group. The results are basedon four focus groups and a quantitative study conducted from June to July of 2009 that probed theattitudes, values, hopes and fears of more than 1,000 American workers about education, training andongoing learning and skills enhancement. In addition to the American Workforce Survey, TheSpringboard Project surveyed 601 business executives about training and education practices andperceptions in the workplace.
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