SHRM Releases White Paper on Strengthening the Path from Education to Employment

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – SHRM, the trusted authority on all things work, workers, and the workplace, today announced the release of its new white paper, "From Education to Employment: HR at the Helm Connecting Education, Skills, and Opportunity," highlighting urgent challenges and actionable solutions to align education with workforce needs.

The report builds on SHRM’s Education to Employment (E²) Initiative, which examines the workforce pipeline from classroom to career and identifies gaps along the way by examining key barriers across three main pipelines: K-12, higher education, and untapped talent.

The U.S. workforce faces a critical inflection point. Employers report difficulty finding talent equipped with the essential skills, while students and job seekers often lack the preparation needed for today’s opportunities.

SHRM’s research reveals:

• 3 in 4 organizations struggle to find candidates with the right skills
• 30% cite a lack of “power” skills such as problem-solving, communication, and adaptability

"Repairing the pipeline requires educators, policymakers, and HR leaders to work in lockstep so learners can transition seamlessly into meaningful careers,” said Emily M. Dickens, J.D., Chief Administrative Officer at SHRM. “HR professionals must lead the solution by leveraging strategy, partnerships, and data to bridge the gap between education and employment. The E² Initiative calls on educators, policymakers, and employers to collaborate and create structured pathways for all learners.”

Key Findings & Recommendations

1. Preparing K-12 Students for Future Careers

The report emphasizes the importance of embedding foundational, technical, and power skills — such as teamwork, communication, and problem solving into K 12 education. It underscores the value of integrating vocational training, increasing career awareness, and promoting practical skills to prepare students for real-world careers. These strategies help students build the skills and confidence needed to transition successfully from school to the workplace.

2. Aligning Degrees with Demand in Higher Education

To ensure graduates are ready for today’s workplaces, the report recommends that colleges and universities align their academic programs with current labor market needs and partnering with local employers to do so. This includes integrating work-based learning experiences — such as internships and other experiential learning opportunities — into the curricula. Additionally, students should be able to clearly see how their degrees and credentials connect to real job opportunities, empowering them to make informed career choices.

3. Unlocking Untapped Talent

The SHRM Foundation has long emphasized the importance of tapping into underutilized talent pools, and this report once again reiterates that valuable groups — such as veterans, caregivers, workers with disabilities, older workers, and others — are frequently overlooked in traditional hiring processes. By removing employment barriers, adopting inclusive hiring practices, and establishing clear pathways to employment, organizations can access a broader talent pool. This approach not only helps fill critical workforce gaps but also promotes inclusivity and resilience within teams.

Learn More
For further details about SHRM’s E² Initiative and to access the full white paper visit: https://www.shrm.org/advocacy/e2-initiative.

About SHRM 
SHRM is a member-driven catalyst for creating better workplaces where people and businesses thrive together. As the trusted authority on all things work, SHRM is the foremost expert, researcher, advocate, and thought leader on issues and innovations impacting today’s evolving workplaces. With nearly 340,000 members in 180 countries, SHRM touches the lives of more than 362 million workers and their families globally. Discover more at SHRM.org.