The importance of aligning skills with job requirements to ensure there is a match, and not a mismatch
Student learning associated with this concept can support achievement of provincial learning outcomes:
NB 2
NL 1, 4, 11, 15
NS 2, 4, 5, 8, 10
PEI 2, 3
As students explore careers that hold an interest for them, they must also be attentive to the skills required for entry into and ongoing success in those jobs. If students have not yet been introduced to employability skills and the importance of the transferability of skills, this lesson presents a good opportunity to do so. Using their knowledge and understanding of skills, students will analyse the importance of matching skills essential for individual success in the labour market to job requirements. Through their learning, students will also come to understand that matching skills is important not only for the success of employees but for employers (company/ business) as well. In this lesson, students will also examine why there may be a mismatch of skills for new workers entering the labour market and explore strategies, such as mentoring and training, that can support workers in addressing any mismatch. It is also important for students to recognize that a serious mismatch can occur when skills are less advanced than what is expected in a job and improvement does not happen or when an employee is overqualified for a position. Either situation can result in employee dissatisfaction with the job as well as a decrease in motivation, morale and productivity in the workplace.
Teachers can access resources to support delivery of this lesson in the Resources/Teaching Strategy Folder.