Talent, in many organizations, seek learning and development opportunities to advance their careers. They often look to their employer for support and guidance. Therefore, it is important for organizations to provide structured learning. However, many employees may not know where to start when it comes to their professional and career development. Organizations have the unique opportunity to provide the “where to start” for employees in conjunction with developing the skills necessary for the overall goals of the organization.

According Adecco’s State of the Economy and Employment research, the skills gap is a very real thing. Of the senior executives surveyed, 92% feel that there is a skills gap in the U.S. workforce. The study also reports that “senior executives believe the skills gap has less to do with complacency on the part of American workers and more to do with the U.S. education system and costs associated with in-house training programs.

A popular catch-phrase, and somewhat counter-intuitive concept given the unemployment rate in past years, the “skills gap” is a major stumbling block along the path to economic recovery for employers, education institutions, and new job seekers alike.