Recruitment Scenario in the UK
The fast-paced digital developments have left recruiters in a state of confusion regarding what skill sets they should look for in employees. And, they are finding it exceedingly difficult to find the skills suited to specific jobs in employees. One of the worst-hit countries is the UK which not only has to cope with these changes but also the uncertainty in the market after Brexit.
Let us examine the scenario in the UK in detail:
Impact of Brexit
The UK has been experiencing uncertainty as far as recruitment of skilled labor is concerned post-Brexit. With rapid industrialization taking place globally, the need for skilled labor is bound to increase. Employers are expecting a high demand for skilled workers and an inadequate supply.
Most UK employers hired skilled employees from EU. But after Brexit, finding employees with skill sets matching the job requirements has become a challenge!
“4th Industrial Revolution”
Some recruitment magazines are referring to the digital turmoil in the UK as the 4th industrial revolution. There are questions being asked about how relevant university education is in the present times? As new technologies, systems, and processes unfold day after day, continuous learning is the need of the hour! Just acquiring a degree and finding employment based on that will not suffice for either the employer or the employee.
In order to cope with the 4th industrial revolution, it is essential to lay stress on technological education.
How to address the issue?
• The Government can structure the education system to develop the necessary skill sets in the students. Now job oriented courses can be introduced that are aligned with the emerging technologies. Digital skills need to become a part of the school and college curriculum. Once the student is introduced to the basics of digital technology, grasping new and advanced concepts will become easier.
• Recruiters need to change their perspective. Recruitment should be done not just based on the university degree but look for employees who have varied experience, skills, and ability to learn.
• Employers can themselves take the responsibility of training the employees will the necessary skill-sets. One of the best ways to train employees is through apprenticeship training. It is also beneficial for businesses to employ apprentices.
• Good leadership and management skills in employers will also go a long way in not only planning a systematic training program to develop the necessary skill set but also retaining the trained employees.
The UK now needs to brace itself to cope with the issue of finding the right skill sets for the rising demands of the industry. It is time that all stakeholders in the skills ecosystem joined hands to find a solution to this problem.