Dive Brief:

• Most employees believe that the U.S. is experiencing a skills gap, according to the 2018 Skills Gap Report from Udemy. And of the 84% who say the gap exists, 39% feel personally affected by it. Seventy-two percent said this means the skills needed for their job will change, and most said they've already needed to upskill to perform their work.
• The report shows employees are becoming more aware of the skills gap and more focused on businesses helping them attain the proficiencies necessary to work. A majority (51%) said they would quit a job that doesn't offer training. Even more, 80% of respondents who said the skills for their job will change will also quit if their employer doesn't provide the necessary training.
• Workers aren't waiting for their company to provide training, however; they're taking proactive steps to upskill for their current and future needs. Online coursework is gaining respect and momentum: 34% of respondents point to online learning as their primary resource to learn new skills. The same amount participate in professional development sponsored by their employer.

Dive Insight:

Job seekers are able to be more demanding in today's tight labor market and their demands often include a path to growth paved by learning and development initiatives. More employers are boasting their paths to advancement with career frameworks, even at the recruitment phase. In addition to boosting proficiency, frameworks can demonstrate an investment in talent by communicating to employees that their upward mobility is not just possible, but expected.

For many, a lack of training and upskilling contributes to an employee's decision to job hop and look for greener pastures. Almost half of respondents in a recent Randstad survey cited limited career paths as a reason to resign. And with almost one-third of U.S. workers having done nothing to upskill in the past year, employers looking to retain must be ready to train.