In the face of labor and skills shortages, companies looking to fill talent gaps are turning to reskilling as a viable solution, with 70% of US hiring managers preferring to train their current employees for different roles before bringing on new workers, according to a survey from The Harris Poll commissioned by Express Employment Professionals.

However, the percentage of hiring managers that prefers reskilling over new hiring is down from 77% in the first half of last year and 75% in the second half of 2021.

“The role of training is paramount to solving the labor shortage because it’s more of a skills gap right now versus shortage of labor,” Mike Nolfo, an Express franchise owner in New Jersey, said.

“Interviews have increased more than 50% this year, but there is a major gap between applicants’ skill sets and what is required from client companies,” Nolfo said. “Either clients have to embrace the upskilling of new hires, or new employees must start taking personal steps to fill in their knowledge gaps.”

In addition, 89% of hiring managers report their companies provide and/or pay for training.

Furthermore, 78% of hiring managers and 78% of employed Americans agree employers should be responsible for providing and paying for training, upskilling and/or reskilling employees.

Express Employment International CEO Bill Stoller noted the critical skills gap has only just begun to severely impact the workforce, and almost every industry will continue to suffer if there isn’t a turning point soon.

“This isn’t an issue that will be solved overnight or by one person,” Stoller said. “Young people need to be educated on the lucrative careers in skilled trades, and the government should provide incentives for these careers. Whether the onus of training ultimately falls on the worker or employer, action needs to be taken now on both sides to ensure the stable and balanced workforce of the future.”