Leadership Strategies to Closing the Critical Skills Gap: A Review

Abstract

Skill is defined as the knowledge, competencies, capabilities, education, and traits required to do a task or job allocated to a certain individual. It is common for a lack of needed information to prevent a firm or organization from achieving its goals. Assigned individuals cannot execute the work, resulting in a skill gap. In this context, identifying talent gaps in various areas is critical. Bridging skills gaps requires effective strategy, but most importantly, it depends on a leader who acquires the proper knowledge and skills to navigate change and lead their team in upskilling and reskilling in ways that suit the organization. The principle objective of this paper is to review the skills gaps in the Canadian automotive industry and successful strategies that automotive business leaders use to fill skills gaps in post-pandemic. The primary focus is reviewing the printed and documented material on skills gaps to find successful strategies. The study findings were derived from a comprehensive review of existing literature. The results indicate that there exists a deficit of skills in both the formal and informal sectors, thereby impeding individuals’ ability to secure employment. Results indicate that Canada, a developed nation with an advanced economy, ought to prioritize improving its human capital through professional development courses and programs. It is recommended that educational institutions conduct further research on the skills gaps to align their training curricula with formal and informal labor market requirements.