- Demographic shifts, technological advances, unprepared
workforce put economies at risk of "skills chasm"
- Annual U.S. earnings losses of $1.1
trillion from inefficient career transitions, learning
gaps
- "Learning to learn" and modern skilling pathways are
critical to unlocking economic and emotional gains for individuals
and businesses
DAVOS,
Switzerland, Jan. 22,
2025 /PRNewswire/ -- New research from
Pearson (FTSE: PSON.L), the world's lifelong learning company,
finds that inefficient career transitions and related learning gaps
are costing the U.S. economy $1.1
trillion annually – a staggering 5% of GDP.
The accompanying report, "Lost in Transition: Fixing the Skills
Gap," released today at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting,
warns of a potential global "skills chasm" between employer needs
and employee capabilities, and urgently calls for a fundamental
shift in approaches to learning and skills development.
The full report details the economic and personal impact of
learning gaps during major career transitions - from school to
work, layoffs or business shifts, and disruptions caused by AI
automation. It also highlights two critical imperatives for
immediate, collaborative action across the education and business
sectors: the need to learn more effectively and the development of
modern skilling pathways that evolve with the future of work.
Prioritize "Learning to Learn"
Improving the way people learn is stressed as vital for an
adaptive workforce ready for continual upskilling, career pivots
and personal career fulfillment. Pearson advocates for
"learning to learn" becoming a core focus across education and
corporate training, emphasizing metacognitive skills such as goal
setting, critical thinking and self-regulated learning. A cited
study found that these approaches can accelerate yearly learning
progress by seven months.
Develop Clear Modern Skilling Pathways
Moving beyond outdated linear career paths, Pearson encourages
reimagined dynamic and efficient skilling pathways that flex to
future workforce needs. It promotes work-based learning like
apprenticeships to align skills with real-world demands, tailored
support, and mentorships. It estimates the U.S. could gain
$40 billion annually just by
shortening transition times from formal education to work by six
weeks.
Implementing such approaches could unlock trillions for
economies while creating life-changing opportunities for millions
worldwide.
"There's real potential for the skills gap to become a chasm if
we don't act. The traditional education that slingshots people into
their careers is no longer enough. Learning how to learn will
become the focus for students, workers and employers to help people
adapt and re-skill throughout their careers and their learning
journey," said Pearson CEO Omar Abbosh. "We can help prevent
the skills gap from becoming a skills chasm when employers,
educators, workers and government partner to find
solutions."
The full report and its findings are based on quantitative
analysis including data from Pearson's Faethm, literature reviews
and interviews with leading experts. Among other topics
explored:
- Virtual reality for career exploration
- Lifelong learning financing
- Digital wallets for robust skills tracking
- AI-powered career mapping
- The creation of a common skills language
- Assessments for career progression and wage growth
Read Pearson's new report, "Lost in Transition: Fixing the
Skills Gap."
Related Pearson News
- Pearson and Microsoft Announce Multi-Year Partnership to
Transform the Future of Learning and Work with AI
- With 100 Million Digital Credentials Issued
Through Credly, Pearson Fosters a Future-proof Workforce for
Enterprises in the AI Era and Beyond
- Pearson's Connections Academy Partners with CAPS Network to
Provide High School Students with Profession-Based Learning
Opportunities
- Expanded Partnership Between Pearson and Degreed Helps
Organizations Identify, Develop and Validate Future Skills for
Business Transformation
About Pearson
At Pearson, our purpose is simple: to help people realize the life
they imagine through learning. We believe that every learning
opportunity is a chance for a personal breakthrough. That's why our
c. 18,000 Pearson employees are committed to creating vibrant and
enriching learning experiences designed for real-life impact. We
are the world's lifelong learning company, serving customers in
nearly 200 countries with digital content, assessments,
qualifications, and data. For us, learning isn't just what we do.
It's who we are. Visit us at pearsonplc.com.
Media Contact:
Laura Ewart laura.ewart@pearson.com
(Europe)
Sami Miller sami.miller@pearson.com
(US)
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SOURCE Pearson