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 Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, in addition to the European Centre for the Development of Vocational Training organize the 3rd edition of the online training Measuring Skills Mismatches. OBJECTIVES The main objective of the course was 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. CONTENT Module 1: Overview of labour statistics, qualifications and skills mismatches Module 2: Identifying and anticipating skills needs Module 3: Next generation skills intelligence Module 4: Measuring and analyzing skills mismatches