Demand for Skills : Main Results of the Azerbaijan STEP Employer Survey
This note summarizes the main findings of the STEP Employer Skills Survey carried out in Azerbaijan in 2013. The note argues that there is a skills shortage in Azerbaijan. Azeri employers claim that it is difficult to find workers with required ski...
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| Language: | English en_US |
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World Bank, Washington, DC
2015
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| Online Access: | http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/2015/08/24919390/demand-skills-main-results-azerbaijan-step-employer-survey http://hdl.handle.net/10986/22508 |
| Summary: | This note summarizes the main findings
of the STEP Employer Skills Survey carried out in Azerbaijan
in 2013. The note argues that there is a skills shortage in
Azerbaijan. Azeri employers claim that it is difficult to
find workers with required skills. The shortage is
particularly pronounced in the case of modern, innovative
firms, which tend to required more advanced skills. The
education system does not meet the needs of the majority of
employers. In particular, it does not equip young workers
with the practical skills that are required in the
workplace, and with knowledge that is up-to-date. The note
finds that employers seek not only technical, job-specific
skills but also cognitive skills (such as literacy, numeracy
and problem solving) and adequate socio-behavioural skills
(such as communication, teamwork, leadership and ability to
work independently). Conscientiousness stands out as a
personality trait that is critical for employability.
Unfortunately, many young job applicants lack the skills
demanded by employers. The key employability skills that
young workers are most frequently lacking include
job-specific technical skills, problem solving skills,
communication, teamwork and leadership skills. Hence, the
skills gap refers not only to technical skills but also to
higher-order cognitive skills and socio-behavioural skills.
By their nature, these results show subjective perceptions
of employers. And these perceptions reflect not only the
objective conditions, but also employers’ expectations
regarding worker skills that may be excessive. Nonetheless
the results signal a skill problem in Azerbaijan, and
employers’ criticism of the quality and relevance of
education should not be too easily disregarded. The survey’s
results strongly suggest that the quality of education needs
to be improved, and the education system needs to be more
responsive to labor market needs in order to support growth
and modernization of the Azerbaijan’s economy. |
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