Gap in Upskilling Opportunities for Women and POC

The workplace landscape has long been riddled with challenges for minorities and women. As the world leans into a skills-driven economy, a new layer of disparity emerges, spotlighting significant gaps in upskilling opportunities. Recent data uncovers a disconnect between employers and employees, particularly when it comes to expectations for skills development.

The Gender Divide in Upskilling

The gender chasm in upskilling access is glaring. According to a report titled “Closing the Activation Gap: Converting Potential to Performance by Upskilling the Workforce,” sponsored by DeVry University, men are considerably more likely to report having access to upskilling (73%) compared to women (56%). Even more concerning, of the women who have access, only 37% actually take advantage of these opportunities. That compares to 56% of men who do.

Challenges Faced by Black, Hispanic, and AAPI Workers

For Black, Hispanic, and Asian American Pacific Island (AAPI) workers, the upskilling landscape is fraught with challenges. A significant 66% acknowledge upskilling as crucial for their career trajectory. Yet, a disheartening 42% have access to and utilize company-sponsored upskilling.

The barriers are not just systemic, but also cultural—37% agree that workplace bias and discrimination hinder their upskilling ambitions.  

Employer vs. Employee Perspectives

The perception gap between employers and employees is wide. While nearly 8 in 10 employers claim to offer company-sponsored upskilling, they estimate that just over half (51%) of their workforce takes advantage of these benefits.

Only one-third of workers feel that their employers are genuinely preparing them for the future of work.  

The findings from this report highlight an important need for introspection and action among employers. As the future of work evolves, the upskilling gap must be bridged to ensure that opportunities are not just available but are also equitably accessed. Addressing these disparities is not just a matter of corporate responsibility but is crucial for fostering a diverse, skilled, and resilient workforce ready to face the challenges of tomorrow.

Lin Grensing-Pophal is a Contributing Editor at HR Daily Advisor.

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