Should we stop trying to fill the skill gap? (Here's a perspective!)
Sonia Sant, L and D Consultant and Author
L&D Leader | AI for L&D Strategist | Skilling, Upskilling | Data-Driven Design | Coach | Author
This couldn't wait for my usual Friday post. Here's what's on my mind this Monday morning.
While it's easy to dismiss or fear reports about AI and automation replacing jobs, they highlight a growing danger.
We're failing to keep humans central to these changes.
What's do the numbers say?
We see the numbers everywhere.
In the 2025 job report WEF has highlighted that by 2030, the World Economic Forum says we'll have 170 million new jobs. And 92 million current jobs will change.
Don't go yet! Stay with me here. I've got some aha solutions to share. I'll show you what L&D leaders found effective (Hint: it's not just about skill maps...)
And.. 63% of employers identify skills gaps in the labor market as a critical barrier to business transformation.
What are we missing?
But here's what keeps me up at night.
Despite all our efforts at skill mapping and learning paths, something isn't working. LinkedIn poll shows only 3.4% of applications match the required experience and preferred qualifications for a given job opening.
?I'm conflicted. Maybe you are too.
We've tried everything. Training programs. Certifications. Frameworks.
Yet time after time, I see the same thing - People who not only learn but can apply their skills on the job in a project do better in meeting job requirements.
That is that they need to have worked on real projects and not even the projects as part of bootcamps can help them score interviews or jobs.
In interviews, certifications are important. However, ?they tend to ask about real work. Real projects. "Tell me what you've done in your last job."
The WEF report shows something we can't ignore. Right now:
Maybe we're missing something simple?
I think this is a chance for L&D to lead by focussing on less training content but more on creating environment to apply. More safe spaces to learn and apply the new skills.
Here's what can work:
What do learning leaders from organizations such as Starbucks say?
Brandon Carson Global Head of Learning, Leadership, and Cultural Experience - Starbucks says it well. What matters is creating places where people can use what they learn. Where AI helps human connection, not replaces it.
“Skills taxonomies matter less than creating environments where people can apply what they learn -- AI should enhance human connection, not replace it” – Brandon Carson
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His advice to L&D “As a practice, I encourage L&D to continue proving that effective learning isn't about chasing technology trends - it's about creating environments where people grow, reflect, and connect -- technology should serve learning, not define it.”
What's my view based on what I saw in talent hiring and development?
We learn by doing. By trying. By making mistakes in safe spaces.
Yes, organizations need to create these spaces.
But the bottom line is that we individuals need to step up too.
It might stretch us.
But that's how we grow.
That's how we'll get our next dream job or role.
Friends, we're at a unique point. This isn't about racing to learn new skills.
It's about having places to practice them.
What do you think? Do you agree with the above perspective or disagree with the perspective?
Now, you might be thinking - Sonia how do we actually create these spaces in our context?
You're onto something big here. Your context is unique. There is no magic wand or one size fits all here.
Each organization has its own challenges, culture, and constraints. Just saying "create spaces" isn't enough when you're trying to make real change happen.
Because I know your pain of:
- Getting cookie-cutter solutions that struggle
- Fighting for buy-in that's hard to get
- Racing to keep up while trying to transform
That's why I'm offering something different: A free 60-minute brain-ting session. (That's brainstorming + consulting!)
What happens in this session?
I listen to your specific challenges. Your context. Your constraints. Then we co-create practical solutions you can implement right away.
Why free?
Because I believe in community. In this fast-changing world, none of us has all the answers. But together? We're stronger.
Want to brainstorm and boost your value? DM me. Let's craft a practical solution that works for you and your organization.
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