A workshop in London explores how human resource practices can contribute to skills development.

Despite high unemployment in most of the European Union, about 35% of companies have difficulty finding people with the skills they need to fill vacancies.  Meanwhile, workers depend on their company to replenish their skills and shape their careers. 

 

To discuss how employers can do to make sure their employees have the right skills - both during recruitment and during the course of employment - on 27 April Cedefop held a workshop, Skill mismatch and firm dynamics, in cooperation with the University of Kingston's Centre for Research in Employment, Skills & Society (CRESS) in London. 

 

Questions discussed included:   

  • Which recruitment practices have proven to attract people with the right skills? 
  • How can policies such as staff appraisal or job design be used to cover skill gaps?
  • How do skill mismatches affect productivity? Is it a good idea to hire overqualified workers?
  • Which human resource practices have helped to improve productivity, minimise skill gaps and foster innovation – and are there cultural barriers to adopting such good practices?

  

The workshop is intended to frame the argument for an upcoming Cedefop study.

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