Over one third of businessmen in Latin America cannot find proper staff due to the region’s old fashioned education system, said a member of the International Labour Organization (ILO) during a meeting held in Panama.

In Latin America “we have an average of 38% to 40% of employers who say they cannot find talent to fill job vacancies”, said Fernando Vargas, specialist in Professional Training and Human Resources Development of the ILO, during the 18^th American Regional Meeting held in Panama.

Employers are looking for people who have knowledge on technology and languages, as well as socioemotional skills, linked to the ability to communicate and the attitude to face new challenges and work under risk conditions.

According to Vargas, the education system “is not generating such skills”. “Our education has not changed. We have education systems from the 19^th and 20^th century”, he added. The education system “does not teach people to solve problems”.

The specialist pointed out the need to modernize education, as the production system, the relationship between employers and workers, and the employment models and times have changed.

The new education model must not focus on memorizing content, but on enhancing complex problem solving, and people’s relationship with the environment in a globalized world.

“Education has been challenged and it must change, as the indicators we have in terms of education quality show there is a very serious problem”, said Vargas.

Vargas also highlighted the risk of higher inequality between those who receive better and worse education.