Adapting Jobs Programs for Today and Tomorrow

“Middle-skill” jobs make up a large portion of the market, has positions to fill, but suffers from a dearth of trained workers—especially when it comes to digital skills. Digital skills refer to a person’s ability to use digital tools, applications, and networks to access and manage information. Pandemic-driven unemployment will only put the middle-skill issue into sharper relief. Three things stand out when looking at middle-skill jobs:

1. There is high demand for jobs with digital skills.
2. Too many of those who could fill middle-skill jobs lack the digital skills needed for them.
3. The traditional job-training system is, for the most part, not suited to bridge these gaps.

There are models that can serve as a guidepost to stakeholders trying to address labor market needs. A point of departure here will be the role of digital skills in emerging models. Many middle-skill jobs require digital skills, but more can be done to integrate broadband into job training.