2024/02/09 by Ahmed Al-Asfour, Yuening Zhao · 1 citation
paper · doi:10.1108/ict-10-2023-0075
crossref created 2024/02/07 · crossref issued 2024/02/09 · crossref published 2024/02/09 · crossref published-online 2024/02/09 · crossref published-print 2024/02/22 · crossref deposited 2025/07/25 · crossref indexed 2026/07/29
Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate manufacturing industry leaders’ perspectives on the prevailing skills gap in the current Illinois workforce. The insights gained hold significant importance for the emerging generation of workers, helping them discern the essential proficiencies and plan their educational and career paths in response. Design/methodology/approach Guided by Becker’s (1962) human capital theory (HCT) framework, a qualitative study was conducted to identify the skills gap and explore the perspectives of manufacturing industry leaders. Fourteen industry leaders participated in this study, representing various occupational industries. Findings The findings underscore the prominence of the skills gap as perceived by manufacturing industry leaders, with notable aspects including limited durable skills and difficulty transitioning from content-based knowledge to practical skills. Originality/value The findings of this study can offer insights to researchers, scholars and practitioners in the field of human resource development, as well as to leaders in the manufacturing industry who aim to address the skills gap. Furthermore, this research can inform policy decisions and assist higher education institutions in preparing students for careers in the industry.