I have been hearing of this on and off for two years now. So far I refused to believe it. In a country that puts a lot of its thinking and energy into free market, innovative businesses and entrepreneurship, it is a shock to know there is a disconnect between what is taught and learned in college and what is needed in the workplace. I have been in denial.
First, the facts.
A study released last year shows that among 2009 US college graduates 80% moved back home with their parents after receiving their graduation certificates. Another study around that time said that more than one-third of men and women under 35 are living with parents.
Your first thought is about the state of the economy and the job losses. And you would be right. But now there is proof for the sad fact that many of our college graduates do not have the skills needed for the workplace.
Our young do not get hired even where jobs are available. Business owners and recruiters complain that the applicants’ classroom experiences are not relevant to the reality outside.
Business and education must get together to bridge this gap. Business leaders can visit educational institutions periodically to show the students pathways to business. Students can intern with them regularly, go on field-trips to factories and offices. Job-shadowing can be a part of the curriculum.
It all boils down to this. Students must be clear about what is expected of them at the workplace. Are they being trained specifically for jobs? Once they feel they are, do they know how to highlight their capabilities to potential employers? Do they know where to start for training? In other words, can they communicate well?

Can their educational institutions help? And how can large corporations and small and medium businesses get involved in the preparation process?
What is needed is a partnership between educational centers and industry to make our young totally employable.