New Paper Proposes a New Approach to Learning
Fixing the Growing Gap Between Skills Needed and Taught
TORONTO, Aug. 26, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- 2020 has been anything but normal for students and teachers with the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, and as some schools across the country prepare to resume classes virtually, a new white paper from Express Employment Professionals explores why now is the time to revolutionize the education system.
The white paper, entitled A Canadian Education Revolution: Aligning Classroom and Careers, dives deeper into a survey commissioned by Express in conjunction with The Harris Poll that revealed nearly 9 in 10 employees (89%) agree a whole new approach to education, skills training and learning—an “education revolution”—is needed to prepare people for the workforce. And of those employees, 33% “strongly agree” with that sentiment.
The key challenges survey respondents identified include:
- The gap between skills needed and skills taught
- The lack of work study or earn-and-learn opportunities
- The cost and utility of university and higher education
The rapid changes of this year only further revealed what was ultimately not working with the education system before the pandemic—where too many students were entering the workforce unprepared for the jobs available to them. This unwanted disruption is a challenge but also an opportunity to refocus curriculum on what Canadians say matters for their careers.
Regardless of whether government policy changes are made to address these concerns, it is critical for everyone—employers, educators, policymakers and more—to have a clearer understanding of employees’ relationship with and perspectives on the education system, as well as what each can do in response.
Other notable topics in the white paper include:
- Feelings of preparation to handle aspects of work
- Combining education and experience
- Accessibility and affordability of university
- Lifelong learning
- Upskilling
“Historically, during difficult times is often when a society sees the most innovation. This pandemic has exposed what jobs are absolutely essential to the economy, and we need to make sure we are preparing students adequately for the workforce of today and tomorrow,” Express CEO Bill Stoller said. “Now is the time for an education revolution.”
If you would like to arrange for an interview to discuss this topic, please contact Adria Minsky at (416) 620-7111 or email adria@mapleleafstrategies.com.
About Bill Stoller
William H. "Bill" Stoller is chairman and chief executive officer of Express Employment Professionals. Headquartered in Oklahoma City, the international staffing company has more than 825 franchises in the U.S., Canada and South Africa, and beginning in 2020 will expand to Australia and New Zealand. Since its inception, Express has put more than 8 million people to work worldwide.
About Express Employment Professionals
At Express Employment Professionals, we’re in the business of people. From job seekers to client companies, Express helps people thrive and businesses grow. Headquartered in Oklahoma City, OK, our international network of franchises offer localized staffing solutions to the communities they serve, employing 552,000 people across North America in 2019. For more information, visit www.ExpressPros.com.