Survey Reveals Critical Skills Gaps in Kentucky High School Graduates’ Workforce Readiness

Frankfort, KY – The Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence has released the findings from the 2024 Meaningful Diploma Employer Survey, shedding light on the readiness of Kentucky’s high school graduates for the workforce. This extensive survey, which gathered insights from over 600 employers across more than 20 industries, underscores critical gaps in essential skills necessary for post-graduate success.

The survey reveals that while 56 percent of employers exhibit moderate to high confidence in the preparedness of recent high school graduates, a concerning 12 percent express strong confidence, with another 14 percent indicating no confidence at all. Employers pinpoint significant deficiencies in critical workplace competencies, such as professionalism, critical thinking, and communication skills, with fewer than 10 percent rating graduates as well-prepared.

According to the survey, durable skills—which include professionalism, work ethic, interpersonal abilities, and emotional intelligence—are considered vital for success by 78.5 percent of respondents. This highlights a pressing need to integrate these competencies within K-12 education to enhance student preparedness for life beyond high school.

Employers expressed a high value for practical work experience; however, only 21 percent currently provide such opportunities. Notably, more than 54 percent indicated a willingness to offer work-based learning, indicating a significant avenue for broadening and enriching students’ real-world experiences.

Collaboration between educational institutions and businesses is viewed as essential by 83.7 percent of employers. Yet, the survey notes that only half of respondents have engaged with K-12 schools, and fewer than 20 percent report frequent interactions. There is a pronounced interest in partnering for curriculum development (55 percent) and supporting career preparation initiatives (65 percent), underscoring the need for improved communication and coordination.

Key challenges in implementing effective workforce readiness programs were also identified: 50 percent of employers cited a lack of qualified instructors or mentors, while 45.8 percent pointed to difficulties in student engagement, and 45.1 percent noted scheduling coordination issues.

The full report detailing these findings is available for download, providing an essential resource for educators and policymakers aiming to enhance the effectiveness of Kentucky’s educational outcomes and the future workforce.