Introduction: The Growing Skills Gap in the Global Workforce
The modern job market is facing a paradox: while companies struggle to find talent with the right
skills, millions of professionals remain unemployed or underemployed. The OECD Employment
Outlook 2024 highlights how digitalization, automation, and the green transition are rapidly
transforming job requirements, creating a skills gap—the mismatch between the skills employers
need and those available in the labor market.
For HR professionals and global mobility experts, this is not just a theoretical issue but a real
challenge that impacts talent acquisition, employee retention, and workforce planning. At the same time, for international professionals—especially expat spouses, who often face challenges in finding suitable employment due to work permit restrictions, credential recognition issues, and lack of professional networks—this gap represents both a challenge and an untapped opportunity.
Understanding the Skills Gap: A Global Phenomenon
The skills gap is not limited to a single industry or region. Key findings from recent labor market
reports show:
• By 2030, over 85 million jobs could remain unfilled globally due to a shortage of skilled
workers, costing the global economy trillions in lost GDP (Korn Ferry).
• 70% of employers report difficulty hiring workers with the right skills, particularly in IT,
engineering, and healthcare (ManpowerGroup, 2024).
• Reskilling and upskilling initiatives are gaining momentum, but many highly skilled
professionals remain sidelined.
In this landscape, expat spouses represent a hidden talent pool that could help address the global
skills shortage—if given the right support and opportunities.
The Expat Spouse Dilemma: An Untapped Workforce?
When an employee accepts an international assignment, their family often relocates as well. While
the primary employee transitions into a new role, their spouse or partner often faces career
stagnation, a common issue in expatriate mobility:
• Work permit challenges: Many countries restrict the employment of accompanying spouses,
requiring separate visa applications or employer sponsorship.
• Lack of professional networks: Without established connections, job searches become
significantly harder.
• Credential recognition: Degrees and certifications may not be easily transferable across
borders.
• Career gaps: Periods of unemployment due to relocation can negatively impact job
prospects.
Ironically, many of these expat spouses possess the very skills that employers struggle to find—but
systemic barriers keep them out of the workforce.
Turning the Skills Gap into an Opportunity
Instead of viewing the skills gap as a challenge, HR professionals and global mobility leaders can
rethink expatriate policies to leverage this hidden workforce. Here’s how:
1. Promote Remote and Flexible Work for Expat Spouses
The post-pandemic shift to remote work offers new opportunities. Companies can hire skilled expat spouses remotely, allowing them to contribute without needing work permits in the host country.
2. Invest in Local Reskilling & Upskilling Programs
Employers and governments should collaborate to offer targeted training programs for expat
spouses, aligning their skills with local labor market needs. This can include:
• Digital skills (AI, cybersecurity, coding).
• Local certification recognition and licensing assistance.
• Language and cultural adaptation programs.
3. Encourage Employers to Recognize International Talent
HR leaders should view global mobility beyond just relocating employees and see the
accompanying spouse as a potential hire. Developing programs to integrate them into the workforce can improve talent acquisition strategies.
4. Leverage Digital Platforms for Global Talent Matching
AI-powered job matching platforms and expat-specific career networks can connect skilled
professionals with companies in need, regardless of location.
5. Advocate for Policy Changes
Governments should simplify work authorization for expat spouses, recognizing their potential to
fill critical job shortages in various sectors.
How to Up skill and Bridge the Skills Gap: Top International Platforms for Professional Development
To close the skills gap, it is essential for professionals—particularly expat spouses—to invest in
upskilling and reskilling in order to remain competitive in the global job market. Thankfully, there are numerous international online platforms that offer courses, certifications, and training to help individuals improve their skills. Here are some of the best resources:
1. LinkedIn Learning
One of the most well-known platforms for professional development is LinkedIn Learning.
It offers a wide range of courses on soft skills, digital skills, programming languages, project
management, and digital marketing. The courses are taught by industry experts, and the
certifications can be added to your LinkedIn profile, increasing visibility to global employers.
2. Coursera
Coursera partners with universities and institutions worldwide, offering courses in areas
such as computer science, finance, data analytics, artificial intelligence, and management.
Many of the courses are free or paid, and the certifications are globally recognized, making
this platform a powerful tool for enhancing your resume.
3. Udemy
Udemy offers courses on a broad range of topics, from digital skills to photography, from
programming to graphic design. With practical courses often available at discounted rates,
Udemy is ideal for those who want to quickly learn specific skills at an affordable price.
Many of the courses are hands-on, making them a great option for gaining practical, job-
ready skills.
4. edX
Similar to Coursera, edX offers courses from prestigious universities such as Harvard, MIT,
and Stanford. Courses cover topics like social sciences, business, engineering,
biotechnology, and robotics. edX also offers professional certifications, which are widely
recognized in the global job market and can increase the likelihood of securing a job abroad.
5. FutureLearn
FutureLearn is an international platform that collaborates with universities and institutions
worldwide, offering courses in areas like social sciences, education, business, and
healthcare. The platform is particularly useful for those seeking flexible learning formats,
making it compatible with the schedules and needs of expat professionals.
6. Skillshare
For those looking to develop creative skills such as design, photography, writing, or
illustration, Skillshare is an ideal platform. It offers practical, project-based courses that
encourage creativity and are perfect for those looking to update their skills in creative fields.
With a global community of learners, it’s also a great place to network and collaborate.
7. Codecademy
For those interested in entering the world of programming, Codecademy offers interactive
courses on languages such as Python, JavaScript, SQL, and Ruby. The courses are designed
for beginners and are an excellent resource for anyone looking to become a programmer or
data analyst, skills highly in demand globally.
8. Google Career Certificates
Google Career Certificates offers programs in fields like digital marketing, data analytics, IT
support, and project management. These certificates are practical and career-focused, and
many employers recognize them as valid credentials. This makes them an excellent option
for expat spouses looking to upskill quickly and enter the job market.
Investing in the improvement of skills through these international platforms allows professionals,
particularly expat spouses, to remain competitive in the global workforce and tackle the challenges
of the skills gap with greater knowledge and preparedness.
Conclusion: A Win-Win for Employers and Expat Professionals
The skills gap is a pressing issue that impacts both businesses and economies worldwide. However, among the millions of highly skilled professionals who remain underemployed, expat spouses represent a largely untapped resource. By rethinking workforce strategies and adopting more inclusive hiring policies, HR professionals and global mobility experts can turn this challenge into an opportunity—one that benefits businesses, expat families, and the global labor market . As we move into the future of work, it’s time to bridge the skills gap by recognizing the talent already within reach.
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