Foundational Skills in the Service Sector

Many Americans working in the service sector lack foundational skills in literacy, numeracy, or problem solving. The National Skills Coalition released this report to show how business leaders, policymakers, and advocates can help address these basic skills gaps that affect both workers and employers. The report includes detailed data on this extent of worker skills gaps, and then provides examples of how employers have successfully addressed these gaps. Recommendations for policymakers include expanding industry sector partnerships, making it easier for workers to navigate career pathways, expanding financial aid, and supporting work-based learning opportunities.