Employees value skills training over university degrees

Intensifying skills training programmes for your employees might just give you the extra edge in boosting your staff’s potential in the workplace.

According to the Q2 2014 Employment Confidence Survey by Glassdoor, 72% of employees stated they believed specialised training to acquire specific skills is more valuable than a degree.

Additionally, 63% of employees surveyed said learning new skills or receiving special training is more important than a big paycheck.

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Obtaining a college or graduate degree was second on the list (45%), followed by transitioning careers or looking for a new job or company (38%).

“The national conversation about the value of higher education and gainful employment is a topic alive within companies,” Rusty Rueff, career and workplace expert, Glassdoor said.

“While education is still valued as one piece of the puzzle for a successful career, we’re seeing a shift in the workplace in which most employees feel gaining the latest skills relevant to their job and industry is more valuable to help advance their careers, and they’re feeling it’s what employers are truly seeking to really help move business forward.”

Among the 996 American employees surveyed, 74% believed their bosses value work experience and related skills more than education when evaluating job candidates.

Almost half (48%) of employees with a college degree also stated their specific degree is not very relevant to the job they do today, and 80% admitted they’ve never been asked about their college GPA (grade point average) during a job interview.

The survey highlighted that although employees believed education is not the most important factor to advance their careers, the value of education cannot completely be ignored.

Close to seven out of 10 (67%) of employees and 70% of unemployed job seekers stated they are confident their level of education has helped them in their career.

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