FROM NOVEMBER’S 2014’s RECRUITER MAGAZINE

The UK is witnessing an ever-widening gap between the skills of those looking to secure work and those required for the jobs that are available. We are constantly told of the reported shortages of qualified candidates ready and able to enter employment, and as this gap continues to grow, the nation is seeing more and more under-qualified jobseekers unable to land work. Of course, skills shortages don’t just affect those looking for work — employers and recruiters up and down the country are finding it tough to attract suitable candidates for the vacancies that they desperately need to fill in order to thrive and grow.

We are being told the worst of the recession is behind us. But could it be that the next challenge to economic growth is our younger generation’s lack of preparation for entering the workplace?

I founded CV-Library 14 years ago with no formal qualifications to my name. I was fortunate to have experienced the challenges and rewards of running my own businesses years before job boards even existed. I sold cold drinks to thirsty fishermen on hot days; I ran a mobile carwash (me, my bucket and a bike) in the local area; and I worked with my father at his carpet-fitting business. You could say that before CV-Library was conceived, I was pretty much always destined to work for myself. But what about those who don’t want to be their own boss? Is there anything we can do to help improve their chances of landing a decent job?

While there are many influencers in the lives of those looking to enter the workforce, recruiters and employers can all play their part in helping jobseekers and the next generation of British business people looking for a new role. After all is it not in their interests to propagate a healthy, well-prepared talent pool to delve into when called upon? Not only will recruiters benefit from having work-ready candidates at their fingertips (which equals money), but the entire employment ecosystem will benefit from an industrially progressive nation (which equals opportunity). But what can be done? 

Schools and colleges often welcome those who can add value to the development of their pupils outside the national curriculum. Many offer pupils the chance to take part in career days, where external professionals spend time giving advice, replicating interview situations, and helping to guide pupils with career decisions and training opportunities. Why not speak to some local education institutions, and ask if they would be interested in hosting you as part of a youth-development programme? Some might turn their nose up at CSR [corporate social responsibility] as it can be self-serving, but if it is done for the greater good, there is every reason to get involved. 

Solutions for more mature candidates could include simply explaining that they lack the skills for a role and guiding them towards suitable courses. Many of these courses are free to undertake, owing to government support, and can empower the candidate with additional, transferable skills, a new mindset for being employed and, most importantly, an ethos of working hard. 

Sustainable employability is critical to the future of the UK workplace. Rather than bemoan the lack of suitable candidates available at any given time, why not investigate opportunities for your business to cultivate a talent pool that will benefit not only your business but the entire economy?

Lee Biggins is the managing director of CV-Library

• Want to comment on this story? The Comment box is at the bottom of the page. Sorry for the glitch but just scroll right down and share your opinions!