Institutions — schools, employers and government — all share responsibility for the skills gap in the US, according to the results of an American Staffing Association Workforce Monitor survey. However, individual accountability is also a top factor contributing to the challenge.

Three out of four the Americans surveyed said one of the factors most responsible for the skills gap is schools failing to provide adequate education for 21st century, and 93% believe high schools and colleges need to do more to develop employable graduates.

However, 72% of participants said students’ failure to study in-demand fields, such as STEM subjects, is a factor responsible for the skills gap and 92% believe employees should continually update their skills for the changing work environment.

In addition, 92% believe employers should do more to train workers in skills the employers require, and about six out of 10 US adults surveyed cited employer-driven failures as being responsible for the skills gap challenge. These include:

• Failing to provide training: 69%
• Not offering apprenticeship programs: 63%
• Not communicating expectations to employees: 61%
• Having unrealistic expectations of job candidates’ skills: 58%

“The ASA Workforce Monitor findings support that there is no single cause nor solution to closing America's growing skills gap — blame for the root causes is shared, with individual accountability a key factor,” said ASA President and CEO Richard Wahlquist. “People at all stages of their lives must commit to lifelong learning to maintain their future employability and ensure that the US has the skilled workforce needed to sustain productivity-driven growth and competitiveness.”

Harris Poll conducted the survey online within the US on behalf of ASA. It was conducted from Aug. 10 to Aug. 14, 2017 among 2,023 US adults.