Training gap!

There is a skill out there for everyone. In order to fill this so called ‘Skills Gap”, I think we all need to invest in our employees and train them to the standards we all want and desire. Merely posting a job description online is not a good way of finding the right employee. Often times we sacrifice personality over experience. When we sacrifice that way, we are rolling the dice on a personality that may not work or fit. First let’s start out by determining the skill we are looking for. Of course, it is always going to benefit you if you can hire from within. Second determine the lowest benchmark for that job. I think it is more important to invest in an employee and get them up to standards. With a little bit of training with the benchmarks that need to be met, we can work our new team member into the job we want and we can choose the desired speed in which we train the “newbie”. This is a two-fold advantage for the company: 1. The first advantage comes once you build that employee into the job you are needing them to perform. Furthermore, starting the new employee at a lower pay rate and having them work for the position you desire allows them room for growth. 2. The second advantage comes in the form of employee investment. This type of investment will send a ripple effect to other employees and say to each team member that the company really does care. Wouldn’t it be great to have a fully invested team and to know that you had a hand in building that team from the ground level? I feel this type of investment would not only reduce turnover but would also increase productivity all while making a better product. WE have to increase training, lower the standards for experience ONLY and train the employees we have. I do not believe in the skills gap myth, nor do I think that there are Americans out there that do not want to do certain jobs. Much Love Linwood Noble.