Global Skills Gap: Bridging Education and Industry for Workforce Readiness (International Perspectives on Education, Employability and Work)

The disconnect between education systems and industry needs poses significant challenges globally, threatening economic growth, social equity, and innovation. As automation, globalisation, and technological advancements redefine job markets, the skills gap has become a critical issue for policymakers, educators, and industry leaders.

Global Skills Gap offers a clear and practical exploration of workforce readiness challenges, blending empirical evidence with actionable solutions to help decision-makers align education systems more closely with evolving industry needs. Through diverse international case studies, the book highlights best practices in curriculum reform, technical and vocational education and training, work-integrated learning, and sustainable partnerships between education and industry. Designed for a global audience, Bianca Ifeoma Chigbu provides tailored insights for both developed and developing economies, addressing unique challenges in resource-constrained regions while presenting strategies to prepare for an AI-driven workforce.

This policy-oriented framework equips educators, policymakers, and institutional leaders, employers, and development practitioners with adaptable solutions to bridge the gap between education and employment. Key contributions include fostering collaboration to strengthen workforce readiness, leveraging global success stories, and implementing evidence-based strategies to ensure equitable access to relevant education and training. As a timely resource, Global Skills Gap outlines a roadmap for sustainable development, equity, and resilience in the face of rapid technological transformation.