Skills Gap: STEM Competencies Are Mostly Driving the Skills Gap Within the U.S.
- The labor force of the U.S. leads the world in most skills.
- The U.S. labor force falls behind in scientific, technological, and digital skills.
- The deficit in STEM skills could drive demand for staffing employment.
On average, the labor force in the U.S. outpaces the world in most abilities, according to data from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. However, it lags behind in scientific, technological, and digital skills, which are often critical within the STEM field. This skills gap places the U.S. at a disadvantage against its peers and will likely receive greater attention as the economy normalizes, which enables policy makers to shift their attention toward long-term goals. Staffing companies have an opportunity to bridge a critical gap by connecting talent with clients in the STEM fields. Workers in these fields often are highly qualified, seeking a challenge, and like to work independently. In addition to providing substantial financial opportunities for the industry, focusing on STEM fields would enable the U.S. to maintain a vital economic position within the global labor force.