Workforce Readiness and 21st Century Skills

With the increase in competition in the international markets, business leaders across the globe are now engaged and struggling to recruit employees who are already skilled, capable and polished. In a generalized manner the phenomenon can be termed as ‘Workforce Readiness’. Businesses at present do not want to waste time on training and educating new employees. They are in search of such skilled and experienced workforce who is already taught and is ready to work efficiently.

The trend of workforce readiness is increasing enormously in all the emerging markets, particularly the Philippines. It has now become mandatory for the talented and capable employees to learn and experience the skills while they are acquiring education otherwise they might face barriers once they get into the field. The talented and deserving people should learn all the required skills that are needed in real life practices or once they get into the industry, including the cognitive and non-cognitive factors.

Philippines undoubtedly stand on the frontline with some of the other prominent markets of the continent. The market of Philippines has grown very swiftly and managed to get on track after the 2008 global recession. For a decade the economy of Philippines was assessed to expand at an average rate of 4.5 % per annum, however the economy has shown a steady growth of 7% in the third quarter of the present fiscal year. On the contrary, the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) also showed a tremendous growth in the first half with a rate of 7.6%. The efficient management of the assets (the power and the retail sector) and the overall economy, different investors such as the UK and other countries and organizations from across the globe are seeking interest in the market. Direct investments from the government in the construction sector have also contributed towards a prosperous and healthy economy. In this regard the element of workforce readiness in Philippines is much needed and is vital. Different organizations and companies are now hiring employees who are trained and skilled already so they can easily move along and cope up with the pace of the market without wasting time on training and educating them.

Following what is going on in all the emerging markets, Philippines does not stand behind and has completely understood the meaning of workforce readiness with its influential implementation. However, it is unfortunately observed that there is lack of awareness regarding workforce readiness in Philippines. The economy is expanding, more organizations are finding their way in the market but they are not getting proper supply of skilled and trained employees. The education sector in Philippines needs to look into the matter so that they can overcome the turmoil and can guarantee workforce readiness to the markets.

Creative thinkers and visionaries such as Mr. Luis form the SFI group are finding interest in the field and are promoting the workforce readiness through different initiatives. The markets seek attention of all such visionaries and leading organization to troubleshoot the issue without delay so that it might not become an obstacle for Philippines to become a talent hub in the near future.