Education system ‘not to blame for skills gap’

New research conducted by Dr Thjis van Rens, of the Economics department, suggests that low wages are to blame for the STEM skills gap, not problems with the education system or inadequacy of training.

Concern in the UK is growing about the skills gap. The worry focuses on the shortage of workers with STEM subject skills.

‘Soft skills’ such as problem solving, team working and communication are also in short supply. This research argues that the education system should not be blamed.

The results found that if wages do not reward certain skills, workers are less likely to acquire them and even if they do, they will find higher-paid occupations not utilising these skills.

Dr van Rens’ policy briefing paper will be hosted by the think-tank the Social Market Foundation, held in association with Warwick on Thursday 10 December.

The briefing will examine how employers, policy makers and educators can reduce the skills gap.

Dr Thjis van Rens commented: “Businesses complain about the lack of workers with STEM skills but are unwilling to raise wages for these workers.”