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Abstract

This study examined Utah employers’ perceptions of workforce preparedness, hiring challenges, and emerging skill needs. Data were collected from 226 employers across different industries to identify priority competency gaps in the state’s workforce. Results revealed that Utah employers perceive the largest skill gaps in time management, critical thinking, conflict resolution, and ethical judgment, competencies essential for effective leadership and collaboration. Employers placed the highest value on experiential learning opportunities, particularly work-based projects, internships, and mentorships, as the most effective means of preparing graduates. Employers emphasized communication, teamwork, and analytical problem-solving as the most critical skills for the next five to ten years, alongside digital and AI literacy and lifelong learning. Over half of employers indicated that demonstrated skills are more important than degrees in hiring decisions, while industry-specific certifications and soft-skill micro-credentials were viewed as the most valuable credentials. Hiring challenges were most often linked to a lack of experience, unrealistic salary expectations, and limited critical-thinking skills. Employers also cited artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and digital transformation as emerging factors likely to reshape workforce needs in the coming decade. Utah’s workforce development strategies must strengthen applied learning, communication, and problem-solving across all levels of education. By integrating experiential, skill-based, and technology-informed learning opportunities, the state’s higher education and training systems can better prepare graduates to meet the demands of Utah’s rapidly evolving economy.

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