Workforce Development

Background

Employers and government have a dual role to play in the education and training of employees to help them become better-qualified for jobs at all skill levels. In addition, equipping valuable yet vulnerable populations with the skills they need to become gainfully employed will improve their quality of life, grow the U.S. pool of skilled talent and increase the earning potential of the U.S. workforce.

Issue

More than 80 percent of HR professionals report challenges recruiting suitable job candidates in the past year, an indication of a growing skills gap problem that if left unchecked will leave jobs unfilled, reduce business profitability and stifle U.S. economic growth.

SHRM Position

• Work-based Learning: SHRM supports public policies that foster expand work-based learning opportunities, including apprenticeships, skills-based hiring, and enhanced employability skills instruction in K-12 education.
• Untapped talent: SHRM supports policy initiatives that promote hiring from under-utilized talent pools, such as the formerly incarcerated, older workers, individuals with disabilities and veterans.
• Education Assistance: SHRM believes employer-provided education assistance should be expanded to include student loan repayment and increase the monetary limit.