Feeling the skills gap? 3 technologies to boost employee training

The nature of work is changing fast, and many workers find it difficult to keep up with the pace of evolution. As a result, many organizations are facing a workforce that does not possess the skills necessary to compete in the modern marketplace.

According to a report from LinkedIn, the three industries most likely to face a skills gap by 2030 are financial and business services, technology and telecommunications and manufacturing. Managing this shortage will likely be one of the chief challenges managers face in the next decade.

These three technologies can bridge the skills gap before it becomes a significant business risk.

1. Virtual and augmented reality

Some of the most exciting emerging technologies are virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). With VR, a user is immersed in a fully digital world. AR, on the other hand, uses a screen to place digital elements over real world objects.

These tools are already being utilized in the manufacturing sector to train employees to work with complex machinery. For example, maintenance technicians might wear a pair of smart glasses that highlight specific parts of machinery, providing relevant instructions as the technician completes a specific task. In the world of medicine, surgeons can utilize VR to practice operations before performing the procedure on a real patient.

2. Multichannel education content

Anyone who has had to sit through an antiquated training video knows the frustration of trying to retain relevant information after the training session. Though video can be a great way to deliver information, not everyone learns in the same way. Some employees may be visual learners, while others prefer to read or engage in hands-on training.

To ensure everyone can learn in their preferred method, many organizations leverage a multichannel approach. For example, training content can be delivered via video, interactive web conferences, podcasts, literature and mobile apps. Employees can choose one channel, or use a combination of several channels to develop their skills.

"Some of the best learning systems are accomplished without a classroom nowadays," says Huy Pham, Recruiting Manager for Beacon Hill's Technologies Division in Denver. "With this approach, employees had the ability to learn at their own pace, and have the flexibility to do so at the office, at home, on the road, or wherever works best for them. In a rapidly changing economy, it can be difficult to stay up-to-date – however, multichannel educational tools make it easier than ever to stay one step ahead."

3. Data analytics

For some organizations, it may be difficult to determine where a skills gap is most affecting their employees. To identify gaps, stakeholders can leverage big data analytics. For example, if leaders want to know how their employees are using software, they can look at engagement patterns. If reports indicate that a significant percentage of employees aren't utilizing import software features, HR leaders can then schedule a tailored training session. Leveraged over time, analytics can help organizations improve continually.

Technology is just one piece of the puzzle. To learn more about finding the right talent for your organization's present and future needs, speak with the experts at Beacon Hill today.