MISMATCH BETWEEN EDUCATION AND LABOR MARKET DEMAND (CASE OF TRADE AND RELATED FIELDS)

Abstract

Introduction. The mismatch between the needs of the labor market and the education and skill structure of the labor force is a well-recognized urgent problem that is inherent not only in the economy of Ukraine. The current economic crisis caused by the coronavirus pandemic inevitably exacerbates existing imbalances. Methods. The study used methods of analysis and systematization (to determine the basic requirements for potential employees); and methods of synthesis and generalization (to formulate the conclusions of the study). Results. The paper analyzes the job descriptions posted on the job search site Work.ua in the categories: sales and procurement, service, logistics, retail, and marketing. The choice of these categories was determined by their popularity and prevalence in the sphere of trade. The analysis of the requirements shows that the experience of applicants is valued much more than their educational attainment. Meanwhile, the requirements for potential employees contain a wide range of hard and soft skills, the provision of which is the content of higher education, in particular the competency-based approach, but this is not specified in the requirement for a diploma. The task of education, along with a prompt response to development trends (so-called "Amazon effect") remains to fill the learning process with real content. Discussion. Further research should consider not only the existing requirements of the modern labor market, to which education should be adjusted, but combine the objectives of education with the structural reorganization of the domestic economy, which is designed to increase the demand for human capital. Keywords: labor market, requirements for employees, trade, education, knowledge, skills, hard & soft skills.