Future strong talent pipelines may depend on better collaboration with K-12 and post-secondary institutions, according to some HR professionals. 

YouScience, a tech provider focused on the skills gap crisis, surveyed 500 HR pros. Respondents indicated that 86% of entry-level hires may need “substantial additional training” to succeed in their roles. Employers also said that work-based learning programs integrated into schools could be crucial to preparing students for the workforce, according to a press release announcing the findings; 9 of 10 respondents said collaboration with schools will be “essential” for talent acquisition. 

The findings come amid rising concerns about finding workers with the right skills, particularly for certain high-demand industries like engineering. YouScience’s survey results also showed that close to 38% of employers struggle to find skilled workers, due in part to an aging workforce, lack of affordable childcare and “outdated hiring practices.” 

Nearly 60% of employers surveyed said they aren’t confident their talent pipelines will meet their needs over the next decade, YouScience said. 

Notably, more than half of employers surveyed said they value educational background and practical experience equally, while 31% prioritized on-the-job experience, pointing to the ongoing momentum of the skills-based hiring model. 

But the survey results also showed that employers may need to reach out to young students earlier; 23% of those surveyed said they engage with high school students, while only 6% engage with middle school students despite the importance of that age in exploring career options. 

“The future of our workforce depends not just on filling jobs, but on building sustainable pathways that connect education with industry,” Mindy Bates, human resources director for Ace Electric, said in a statement. “As the demand for skilled talent grows and the traditional talent pipeline shows signs of strain, we must engage with students earlier, provide hands-on experience, and emphasize both technical and soft skills.”