Skills Gap

You’ve heard of the technical skills gap, but a related, critical challenge hasn’t always received adequate attention: the life skills, or soft skills, gap. Many young workers are simply not meeting employers’ expectations when it comes to effective communication, conflict resolution, or problem-solving. Research indicates youth can overestimate their preparedness. In a study by Hart Research Associates, often more than 30 percentage points separated youth self-perception and how people in hiring positions view their skill levels. PTS offers a proven solution that prepares youth to be punctual and responsible, manage anger and conflict, think critically and creatively, and more.


  • 80 percent of Hilton team members improved key soft skills including communication, teamwork, and conflict management skills.

  • In South Africa, 91 percent of Hilton Team Members reported being better listeners after training and 80% felt more confident.

  • Another 75 percent indicated improvement in conflict management, teamwork and cooperation skills.

  • 75% of surveyed PTS graduates in Algeria reported significant improvement in interpersonal communications and working and respecting others.

[PTS graduate] Israa is a hard worker who has proven she’s fit for the job. We’ve hired five new employees, four of whom are PTS trainees.

Hani Fuad
IKEA Showroom Manager, Jordan

PTS bridges the skills gap. Employers, teachers, government officials, parents, and youth themselves attest that this training prepares young men and women to meet work and career challenges.

From aeronautics to customer service, from Kazakhstan to Colombia, we’ve seen PTS complement technical training and early on-the-job experience to narrow the skills gap. Youth learn skills in 10 areas experts agree are critical:

  • Self-management
  • Self-confidence
  • Respecting self and others
  • Teamwork
  • Communication
  • Creativity & innovation
  • Critical thinking and problem-solving
  • Resilience
  • Decision-making
  • Conflict management

This is how I got the job: discipline, punctuality, working in a team, working hard.

Mithun
PTS graduate,
India

Clients, Partners, and Supporters

Contact Us

Curious to learn more? We’re ready to start the conversation
about tailoring PTS to meet your needs.

Get Started