Many employers face challenges in attracting suitable candidates, as well as how to deal with skills gaps in their existing workforces. This article shines a light on four approaches taken in the US to bridge skills gaps, and identifies a number of lessons for HR practitioners.

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Reviewed by

Lizzie Crowley, Senior Policy Adviser - Skills, CIPD

Lizzie is a policy and research professional with over 13 years’ experience in the employment and skills arena, having worked with both the public and private sector to develop high-quality research to inform organisational practice, public policy and shape the public debate.

Prior to joining the CIPD Lizzie led The Work Foundation's research and policy development on the youth labour market – and has published a number of influential reports on youth unemployment. She has regularly appeared on national and regional TV and radio, including BBC Breakfast, BBC the One Show, the Today Programme and Channel 4 news. Lizzie graduated in Sociology and has a master's degree in Social Science Research Methods, both from the University of Glasgow.

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