Survey: Workplace preparedness lags, but Pennsylvania stands out

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(The Center Square) – A new national survey points to a growing disconnect between higher education and the workplace, raising questions about whether colleges and universities are adequately preparing students for a rapidly changing job market and the effectiveness of workplace continuous learning opportunities. 

Pennsylvania, however, is ahead of the curve.

The survey, conducted by The Harris Poll on behalf of Instructure – the makers of Canvas Learning Management System – found 70% of workers feel unprepared for today’s jobs, but are eager to grow through ongoing training and acquire new credentials. 

Instructure’s newly released State of Learning and Readiness report says the findings underscore the need for colleges and universities to support lifelong learners through workforce-aligned programs that connect education to real-world outcomes. 

Instructure Chief Architect, Zach Pendleton, told The Center Square that amid dramatic shifts in technology and workplace culture, many people are struggling to find their footing. 

“Readiness is more than proving you attended school,” he said. “It means having the tools, mindset, and support to keep moving forward, while creating a culture of continuous learning."

A surprising finding from the report: Gen Z – the newest generation entering higher ed and the workforce – shows both the greatest eagerness to grow and the highest sense of being unprepared. Eighty-seven percent reported feeling overwhelmed by technology.

One of the biggest challenges, Pendleton noted, is ensuring students not only learn to use AI, also understand how to apply it effectively and ethically. Those same challenges carry into the workplace, where he said employers must figure out how to invest meaningfully in constant upskilling and training.

The survey found that readiness looks different for every generation. 

Seventy-one percent of Millennials feel prepared for the workforce, while Gen X, and Boomers report high levels of confidence but risk complacency. 

“When you’re comfortable doing things the way you’ve always done them,” Pendleton said, “it can be difficult to see the value in adjusting to something new.”

These generational differences, the report notes, remind us that a one-size-fits-all approach won’t close the readiness gap. Flexible learning options, recognized credentials, and clear pathways from education to employment can help every generation move forward with confidence.

The report identifies four key pillars of readiness: digital literacy and technological agility; continuous skills development; adaptability and career mobility; and a growth mindset and future-ready thinking. 

Comfort with technology is now fundamental in an increasingly digital workplace, yet 26% of workers say a lack of digital skills holds them back, and only about half are currently using AI on the job. 

Most employees – 88% – agreed that continuous skills development and training in the workplace would help them grow, and 60% are eager to upskill – yet many don’t know which credentials matter most. Seventy-three percent worry about adapting to rapid shifts in their career. 

Nearly one-third also worry that their current skills might not hold up in an economic downturn.

Instructure says ongoing development, trusted certifications, and flexible learning can turn uncertainty into confidence, helping people stay ready for whatever comes next.

While skills matter, so does mindset. Beyond gaining new knowledge, readiness is about staying curious, embracing change, and viewing challenges as an opportunities to grow and adapt. 

Among those polled, 72% of workers trust that earning credentials will unlock real career opportunities, but many want clearer guidance on aligning learning with their goals. 

Pendleton emphasized that both educational institutions and corporate training programs must adapt more quickly to technological changes. He said lengthy, traditional courses often become outdated before they are useful, and advocated for more timely, personalized, and flexible learning to keep pace with evolving needs. 

The data shows that while many feel unprepared, it also shows hope. Most believe that training and upskilling can help them succeed. 

According to Pendleton, Pennsylvania is on the right track. 

The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education began addressing the issue in 2023, announcing plans to build a credential registry listing they types of certificates, certifications, and degrees available across its schools. 

PASSHE’s website notes that 60% of all jobs in the commonwealth require some form of postsecondary education, but only 53% of workers have the necessary degree or credential. 

“Pennsylvania’s PASSHE Workforce initiative is exactly the kind of collaboration our data points to, connecting higher education and employers to close the readiness gap and help people turn learning into real opportunities,” Pendleton told The Center Square.

Instructure says the report reminds us that a future-ready workforce is a collective journey. Individuals, organizations, and educators working together can close the readiness gap and build a culture where learning is continuous, progress is clear, and everyone has the chance to thrive.