Report says Edmonton employers feeling "soft skills gap"

A new report sheds light on how Edmonton’s PSE institutions are meeting the demands of local employers. According to the report, businesses are increasingly demanding specialized skills from new employees. However, even as new graduates are seen as being technically capable, businesses say they lack “soft” skills such as communication, decision-making, critical thinking, and teamwork. One solution to the gap, the report says, is the integration of more hands-on work, apprenticeships, and co-ops in PSE; however, it argues that PSE institutions are not solely responsible for enhancing these skills in graduates. The report notes that there has been a 40% drop in employee training by employers over the past 2 decades, and says that it is incumbent on employers, as well as educators, to contribute to the development of the labour force. Further investment in employees will also help inspire loyalty in new employees, the report argues. CBC | Full Report