Survey shows majority of Canadian job seekers blame employer training gaps, not candidate skills
Three in four Canadian job seekers say the real barrier to employment is not a lack of skills but employers’ unwillingness to provide training, according to a recent survey by Express Employment Professionals and The Harris Poll.
Despite persistent claims from companies about a growing skills gap, 75 percent of job seekers believe the actual issue lies in the absence of training support.
They also express willingness to stay long-term with companies that invest in bridging these gaps.
According to the survey, 91 percent say they would be more likely to stay at a company that offers tools or training to help new hires integrate into the workplace and fill skill gaps.
Many job seekers view current hiring criteria as overly rigid.
About 84 percent say employers should focus more on relevant skills than formal degrees, and 71 percent believe companies should ease job requirements to identify suitable candidates.
Generational differences were evident: 72 percent of Millennials and 71 percent of Gen Z want companies to waive education requirements, compared to 60 percent of Gen X and 57 percent of Boomers.
Similarly, 70 percent of Millennials and 67 percent of Gen Z think employers’ expectations are too high, versus 61 percent of Gen X and 62 percent of Boomers.
Soft skills emerged as more important to job seekers than technical qualifications.
Over 80 percent considered communication, work ethic, problem-solving, accountability, demeanour, and teamwork essential.
By contrast, only 66 percent said technical skills and cultural fit held equal importance, pointing to a clear emphasis on soft skills in hiring priorities.
On the employer side, 63 percent say the skills gap has widened, particularly among new hires. However, 75 percent believe their company has the necessary tools to address it.
Many hiring managers have already adjusted their criteria. The survey shows 86 percent of companies have waived some requirements to fill vacancies.
Among these changes: 52 percent dropped experience requirements, 35 percent waived soft skills, 32 percent removed hard skill prerequisites, 31 percent overlooked educational degrees, and 29 percent did not require professional certifications.
Additionally, 67 percent are open to waiving degree requirements, and 60 percent say their company will make exceptions to job criteria in certain cases.
Still, 38 percent of employers admit they are unsure how to evaluate online degrees or certifications, which may slow progress in adapting standards.
“In today’s evolving labour market, adaptability is increasingly recognized as a critical asset by both employers and job seekers,” said Express CEO Bob Funk, Jr.
He noted that while priorities may differ, many business leaders find common ground in practical strategies like flexible qualifications and onboarding programs aimed at long-term growth.
These approaches, he said, help align expectations while upholding the high standards needed for sustainable success.
Sources: The Canadian Press; Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll, conducted November–December 2024.
