Did School Teach You the Skills to Get the Job Done

Did School Teach You the Skills to Get the Job DoneDid School Teach You the Skills to Get the Job Done?Did School Teach You the Skills to Get the Job DoneWe spend many years in school with the belief that a good education will prepare us for the many more years well spend at work. But, what you learn in the classroom can take you only so far. Its the work experience thats fruchtwein critical in helping you get where you want to go in your career.Employers expect everyone to come out of school with a set of basic skills, notably math, writing, reading, and at least some computer proficiency. Rather than worry about how well employees can add, subtract, speak, or write and send an email, employers would rather focus on the stuff that matters most increasing revenue, keeping costs down, making processes more efficient, and making sure everyones working to their full capabilities and getting along like a bunch of happy campers.Yet, according to a recent survey by The Conference Board, ab out 34% of employers believe high school graduates are not prepared for the workforce, and about 17% say the same of four-year college grads. In fact, close to half of employers feel the need to provide some form of workforce readiness training to boost new employees skills after theyre hired. Most employers focus their programs on skills such as teamwork/collaboration, leadership, and technology skills. Some even offer programs on enhancing communications skills.But theres a bright spot here When The Conference Board conducted a similar survey in 2006, most employers found that new high school grads were adequately prepared in technology skills and teamwork/collaboration. (The fact that teenagers are more technically adept than their parents is a big help.) Maybe we can take that as a sign that school systems are expanding beyond the basic subjects and aligning whats being taught with the skills workplaces really need.