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The Silent Crisis: Addressing the Growing Disconnect Between Education and Employment

Author

Bryan Besecker
May 09, 2024

I’m Bryan, Co-Founder of PathSpark. We empower high school students through self-assessments and coaching to gain purpose and clarity on what life looks like after graduation. 🎓

Know a high school student struggling to figure out next steps? Respond to this email, I’d love to talk to you.

I founded PathSpark driven by an unwavering mission: to empower every student with the confidence and tools they need to pursue a fulfilling career that ignites their passions and harnesses their unique talents.

However, as I've immersed myself deeper in understanding the challenges facing today's youth, I've uncovered a silent crisis: the widening skills gap.

There is a growing disparity between the skills workers possess and those demanded by the job market is leaving critical positions unfilled, stunting economic growth, and leaving countless graduates feeling adrift.

In my latest blog post, I dive into the complexities of this issue and explore how we can bridge the divide to secure a brighter future for the next generation.

Some eye-opening insights we cover:

  1. The troubling decline in interest for high-demand skilled trades, despite their critical role in our economy and infrastructure.

  2. The pervasive overemphasis on degrees, often at the expense of recognizing the immense value of practical skills and real-world experience.

  3. The urgent need for alternative, job-focused skill-building paths that equip students with the tools they need to succeed in a rapidly evolving workforce.

  4. The paramount importance of early career exploration in helping students uncover their passions and make informed decisions about their future.

At PathSpark, we're not just talking about these issues—we're taking action.

If you know any students who are feeling lost or unsure about their next steps, please don't hesitate to refer them to me.

As always, thank you for your unwavering support and commitment to empowering the next generation.

With gratitude,

Bryan