The Hard Truth About Skills:
You Need to Train People for the Future of Work
In a rapidly evolving world, the skills gap isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a business reality. Tom Cheesewright’s brillaint recent blog, "If You Want the Right Skills, Train People," couldn’t be more timely.
It highlights a critical truth:
The talent you need is often right in front of you—you just have to invest in it.
The Stark Reality:
The Numbers Don’t Lie
Let’s start with the facts:
37% of employers report hard-to-fill vacancies (CIPD).
48% of businesses struggle to find candidates with the right skills (Michael Page).
A staggering 64% report recruitment difficulties (TotalJobs).
These numbers paint a clear picture. The talent shortage isn’t due to a lack of people; it’s due to a lack of investment in people.
The Decline of Training and Development
What’s more alarming is the sharp decline in adult education and workplace training:
Participation in adult education has dropped by 70% since the early 2000s.
Workplace training days per employee have decreased by 19% since 2011.
Employer spending per trainee has plummeted by 27% in the same timeframe.
At the same time, the productivity of workers has skyrocketed. The average revenue per employee in the FTSE 100 was £96,000 in 2006 (adjusted to £160,000 for 2024). The actual figure today? £446,000 per employee.
So, while businesses are squeezing more value from each employee, they’re investing less in their development. This isn’t just short-sighted—it’s unsustainable.
Why This Matters for the Future of Work
We’re entering an era defined by rapid technological shifts, AI integration, and the Fifth Industrial Revolution. Skills become obsolete faster than ever, and the traditional model of “hire for skills” no longer holds. Instead, the future belongs to organizations that build skills internally.
As I often emphasize in my keynotes, the leaders of tomorrow will be those who inspire continuous learning and foster an environment where employees are encouraged—and empowered—to grow. It’s not just about retaining talent; it’s about unlocking the hidden potential within your workforce.
Investing in People: A Strategic Imperative
Consider this: companies are generating nearly three times more revenue per employee than they did two decades ago. Isn’t it time we rebalanced the equation?
Training isn’t an expense; it’s an investment. It drives innovation, improves retention, and builds resilience in the face of change. Whether it’s upskilling teams in AI, developing emotional intelligence, or fostering independent thinking, the ROI is undeniable.
Final Thoughts
If you want the right skills, train people. It’s that simple—and that complex. The businesses that thrive in the future won’t be those that chase talent in a shrinking pool. They’ll be the ones that create it.
So, what’s your organization doing to close the skills gap? If you’re not investing in training today, you’re already falling behind.
Let’s start the conversation. The future of work depends on it.
Or maybe its just the future of your organisation…
It makes me remember the classic quote…
