The skills gap seems to be on the rise across the globe. According to a study conducted by Goodwill, among those who are employed and not in an ideal job, 68% say they need more training or skills to have such a position. 

The study revealed that about 54% of the respondents reported that they don’t feel that they have a stable job that caters to their needs for a comfortable quality of life and presents a career path with opportunities for growth. Additionally, nearly half (47%) of unemployed adults looking for work say a lack of skills or education makes it hard for them to maintain work or get better jobs. Citing the rising skills gap, 94% of the respondents noted that it's important for people to have access to job training and skills as an alternative to college (66% say it's very important).

In the official statement, the company mentioned that those experiencing hurdles around skills and training are also more likely to have experienced the loss of hours, pay and even jobs over the last two years, particularly among Latina/o/x adults, young people and adults in the lowest income brackets. The poll also showed that those who are unemployed not only need assistance in getting job training, gaining certificates and finding jobs, but they also need affordable childcare, safe and affordable housing, and mental health counselling. 

Though America is overwhelmed with the record-high number of vacancies (11.5 million) offering good pay, 57% of those recently looking for a job did not apply for jobs they wanted because they didn't believe they had the required skills or training, according to the poll. In fact, 36% of recent job seekers had all their applications rejected, with the most common reason being a lack of required skills. 

Commenting on the data, Steven C. Preston, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries International said, “It's clear we are leaving talent on the sidelines and missing an opportunity for people to realize a better future for themselves and their families, for employers to find the talent they need, for our communities to see more equitable opportunities, particularly for women and people of colour who have not participated as fully in the recovery.” 

He further added that Goodwill has formed partnerships not only to respond to the gap in skills training and support people in their search for employment but also help to meet the needs of the 75% of unemployed workers who said they need support services such as internet access and transportation to ensure they have the opportunity to thrive in the workforce and beyond.