Talent in transition: Addressing the skills mismatch in Ontario

The skills mismatch is multi-faceted. We are confronted by a supply-demand mismatch driven in part by the decisions of students to pursue qualifications in fields with limited employment opportunities.5 This trend is challenging as it results in an increase in the number of highly educated persons working in positions for which they are overqualified. There is also a domino effect whereby lesser qualified people are essentially edged out of the labour market.6 In addition to the supply-demand mismatch, employers also emphasize that competencies such as communication, emotional intelligence, creativity, design, interpersonal skills, entrepreneurship, technological skills and organizational awareness are key indicators to the success of job candidates and employees.7 The deficit of these skills is often cited by employers as an obstacle in the recruitment process.