Measuring Skills Mismatches

The demand for data on various forms of skills mismatches has risen in recent years, in line with the prioritization of countries to ensure that effective policy measures and tools are formulated to improve the quality and relevance of skills formation. Many have stressed the importance of making better use of qualification and occupational skills as a prerequisite for better employment outcomes and employability, as well as improved labour productivity.

The concept of skills mismatch, however, is broad and ambiguous. t can relate to many forms of labour market friction, including vertical mismatch, skill gaps, skill shortages, qualification mismatch, field of study (horizontal) mismatch and skill obsolescence.

This may lead to misinterpretation of results. The existence of estimates based on different measurement approaches also leads to confusion.

Skills mismatch is a concern for policy-makers, employers, and workers alike. It is a recurring theme in vocational education and skills development, with many policy initiatives launched to address various forms of skills mismatches. For evidence-based skills policymaking statistics on various forms of skill mismatches are needed.

Building on its long experience in delivering training on skills and labour market analysis, the International Training Centre of the ILO in full collaboration with the ILO Department of Statistics, and in close coordination with the ILO Skills branch, the European Training Foundation, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, in addition to the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training is proud to offer this four-week online training on Measuring and Analyzing Skills Mismatches.

OBJECTIVES

The main objective of the course is to equip national and international stakeholders with the necessary competencies to measure and analyze skills mismatches and imbalances from both the demand and supply sides for evidence-based policy making. The course is designed to enhance capacities to identify, collect, analyze and disseminate labour market information related to skills imbalances from both the demand supply side.

More specifically, the course aims to:

• Enhance understanding about the definitions, terminologies, and resolutions related to qualifications and skills mismatches;

• Understand differences between various approaches in measuring mismatches;

• Foster better understanding of data collection, data analysis, and dissemination of labour market information related to qualifications and skills mismatches;

• Acquire a comprehensive understanding of the LFS Module on occupational qualifications and skills’;

• Promote sound statistical data processing and analysis of demand and supply skills indicators;

• Understand the various methodologies and tools used for skills anticipation and matching;

• Familiarize with other data sources such as jobs surveys and online job vacancies;

• Familiarise with key Indicators on education, skills and employment

• Acquire a good understanding of the drivers of change which impact the demand for skills and the reasons for labour market imbalances and their consequences

CONTENT

• Overview of labour statistics

• Objectives, Concepts and Definitions of qualification and skill mismatches

• Measurement of qualifications and skills mismatches

• Skill needs assessments

• ILO approaches in identifying and assessing skills needs

• Policy Insights on skills mismatch assessment: Lessons from the OECD Survey on Adult Skills (PIAAC)

• Next generation skills intelligence? Using big data to identify skill demand

• Identifying skill needs and mismatches in jobs: The Cedefop European Skills and Jobs survey approach

• The LFS Module on occupational qualifications and skills

• Key Indicators on Education, Skills and Employment (KIESE)

• Vocational education key to employability & preventing young people dropping out of school