- Demographic changes, technological advances and an unprepared workforce put economies at risk of a ‘skills gap’
- Annual
WE loss of income$1.1 trillion ineffective career transitions and learning gaps - “Learning to learn” and modern training pathways are essential to unlocking economic and emotional gains for individuals and businesses.
The accompanying report, “Lost in Transition: Bridging the Skills Gap,” published today in World Economic Forum Annual meetingwarns of a potential global skills “chasm” between employer needs and employee capabilities, and urgently calls for a fundamental shift in approaches to learning and skills development.
The full report details the economic and personal impact of learning gaps during major job transitions – from school to work, layoffs or company changes, and disruption caused by AI automation. It also highlights two critical imperatives for immediate collaborative action across the education and business sectors: the need to learn more effectively and the development of modern skills pathways that evolve with the future of work.
Prioritize “Learning to learn”
Improve the path people learn is considered vital for a workforce that is adaptive and ready to continuously develop and grow in their careers. And personal professional development. Pearson advocates that “learning how to learn” becomes a central goal of corporate education and training, with an emphasis on metacognitive skills such as goal setting, critical thinking, and self-regulated learning. One cited study found that these approaches can accelerate annual learning progress by seven months.
Develop modern and clear skills pathways
Going beyond outdated linear career paths, Pearson encourages reimagined, dynamic and effective skills pathways that adapt to the future needs of the workforce. It promotes workplace learning, like apprenticeships, to align skills with real-world demands, personalized support and mentoring. He estimates the
Implementing such approaches could unlock billions of dollars for economies while creating life-changing opportunities for millions of people around the world.
“If we don’t act, the skills gap really risks becoming a chasm. The traditional education that propels people toward their careers is no longer enough. Learning how to learn will become the priority of students, workers and employers to help people. adapt and develop throughout their career and learning journey,” said Omar Abbosh, CEO of Pearson. “We can help prevent the skills gap from becoming a skills chasm when employers, educators, workers and government come together to find solutions.”
The full report and its findings are based on quantitative analysis including data from Pearson’s Faethm, literature reviews and interviews with leading experts. Among the other topics explored:
- Virtual Reality for Career Exploration
- Financing lifelong learning
- Digital portfolios for robust skills tracking
- AI-powered career mapping
- Creating a common language of skills
- Assessments for career development and salary growth
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About Pearson
At Pearson, our goal is simple: to help people achieve the lives they imagine through learning. We believe that every learning opportunity is a chance for personal breakthrough. This is why our c. Pearson’s 18,000 employees are committed to creating dynamic and enriching learning experiences designed to have real impact. We are the global lifelong learning company, serving customers in nearly 200 countries with digital content, assessments, qualifications and data. For us, learning is not just what we do. This is who we are. Visit us at pearsonplc.com.
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