Over half of the respondents represented the business industry. Five respondents from all occupation levels with the exception of Skill Level A represented the Trades and Laborers industry.
Sixteen respondents met their parents’ expectations for educational achievement and of these, seven exceeded parents’ expectations of a high school diploma and achieved a college diploma or university degree. Six people did not meet their parents’ expectations of a university degree.
On the job learning or training was required for all but two occupations. Two people said they learn by working or engage in self directed learning activities.
None of the respondents indicated they took part in personal development initiatives
but 15 people said they engaged in professional development activities such
as courses, seminars, webinars or workshops. Some employers and professional
designations require or expect their employees or members to complete regular
professional development activities. One person said, “Professional
development is part of the industry.”
These results suggest that employees recognize they require greater levels of skills for their occupation and work to fix the knowledge and skill gaps. In today’s workforce, a high school diploma does not provide the knowledge and skills to succeed.