Two thirds of employers in Canada feel that employee skills development is inseparable from company strategy. But only three out of ten are ready to fund training them. Explanations.
74% of employees realize the importance of skills to growing their business, according to a survey conducted by Ipsos Reid on behalf of ABC Life Literacy Canada. However, only 31% are likely to invest in training their employees and in developing their skills.
Problem solving in mind
The study, conducted among 400 SME owners and 404 company managers or directors, also shows that employers put more importance in certain aptitudes, to ten in particular. Of these, 80% consider problem solving to be a major skill. However, only 36% want to get out their wallets to fund dedicated training. Customer service is also highly appreciated by 77% of company heads and Canadian managers; nonetheless, only 42% are prepared to pay to support their employees.
Speaking skills and presentation qualities count highly for 74% of recruiters, but only 38% would be willing to share for improvement of employees. In addition, the gap between the percentage of entrepreneurs who consider a skill to be strategic and those in favour of providing support in the area is less when it comes to project management, at 58% compared to 43%. Productivity requiring it, this gap narrows a little when it’s a question of equipment and the use of machines; 49% of 804 employers surveyed consider this skill to be relevant, while 39% receive the idea of adequate training favourably.
Language training for 34%
When it comes to reading, writing and mathematics, basic skills considered essential by 72% of employers, only 23% would support their employees with professional assistance. Finally, although bilingualism is considered essential for the organization’s growth and prosperity by 63% of respondents, only 34% of them would pay for courses in French or English for their employees.