Those wanting to get an advantage over other candidates when applying for jobs might consider getting vocational qualifications.
A study by independent education foundation Edge found that nearly seven out of ten (68 per cent) employers think there is a shortage of candidates with practical skills, reports HR Magazine.
According to the report, 52 per cent of bosses think the job market is "littered" with people who have obtained academic qualifications.
However, there is a shortage of people with applicable and practical skills, it found.
Andy Powell, chief executive of Edge, commented: "There is obviously still a fundamental knowledge gap when it comes to candidates' hands-on skills."
Some 56 per cent of respondents attributed the shortage of people with practical skills to the schools system, which they said focused too much on academic rather than vocational learning.
Those who want to improve their vocational skills and get qualifications in areas relevant to their jobs might consider taking an NVQ course, such as the ones offered by learndirect.
Earlier this month, Will Cookson, head of skills at Working Links, said training is invaluable for people looking to progress in their careers.
He said it can be a vital way to top up existing skills or to acquire new abilities. The expert noted that this is particularly useful for people who are considering branching out into a new line of work.
Mr Cookson claimed that almost one-third of the UK's workforce does not have a level two qualification - the equivalent to five GCSEs with grades between A and C - despite the fact that within 11 years, 85 per cent of jobs are expected to have a level three requirement.
Get qualifications whilst doing your job – see our range of NVQs and speak to your line manager about the benefits of taking an NVQ with learndirect.