Obsolete vocational skills

Outmoded work-study programmes
Obsolete employment training
Outdated job training
Vocational obsolescence in the face of overwhelming need

Nature

There are increasing numbers of people unemployed or underemployed because, despite having skills which were once relevant, they lack appropriate and up-to-date occupational skills. They are, in fact, penalized by the progress of technology. Skilled workers can seldom utilize their full potential; others perform poorly because they do not have the necessary training. There are 'holes' in the job market and unmet needs among services for which the skills have not yet been determined.

Incidence

The incidence of obsolete vocational skills is increasingly prevalent in various regions, particularly in developed economies where rapid technological advancements outpace workforce training. According to a 2020 report by the World Economic Forum, approximately 85 million jobs may be displaced by a shift in labor between humans and machines by 2025, highlighting the urgent need for reskilling. Additionally, a survey by McKinsey in 2021 indicated that 87% of companies reported skills gaps in their workforce, underscoring the widespread nature of this issue across industries.
A concrete example of obsolete vocational skills occurred in 2019 in the manufacturing sector of the United States, where a significant number of workers faced redundancy due to automation. A study by the Brookings Institution revealed that nearly 25% of manufacturing jobs were at risk of being automated, leaving many workers with outdated skills and limited opportunities for reemployment in a rapidly evolving job market.

Claim

There is a current tendency for even the most highly trained professionals to find that they are a 'dime a dozen' or obsolete, while at the same time those whose vocation is to help others find that for every one person they assist, ten more people are suffering and in need of help. The vital question raised by this gap between the experience of unsatisfied needs and inadequate use of skills is why people are or are not satisfied by a particular job.

Counter-claim

The notion of obsolete vocational skills is vastly overstated. In a rapidly evolving job market, adaptability and continuous learning are far more critical than clinging to outdated skills. Instead of lamenting the loss of certain trades, we should celebrate the emergence of new opportunities and technologies. Emphasizing obsolete skills distracts from the real issue: preparing the workforce for the future. Let’s focus on innovation and growth rather than mourning the past.