U.S. employers continue to struggle with an ill-prepared workforce, finding new hires lack crucial basic and applied skills, says a recent report jointly produced by Corporate Voices for Working Families, the American Society for Training & Development, The Conference Board, and the Society for Human Resource Management.

According to The Conference Board, the report draws from a survey of 217 employers about their training of newly hired graduates of high school and two- and four-year colleges. The survey, conducted during 2008, included employers in manufacturing; financial services; non-financial services; and education, government, and other non-profits. Almost half of respondents said they have to provide readiness training for new hires – and the majority rate their programs as only “moderately” or “somewhat successful.”

“U.S. business is increasingly outspoken about the competitiveness threat posed by an ill-prepared workforce – but employers must do a better job of quantifying this threat and communicating it to key stakeholders,” says The Conference Board spokesperson Mary Wright.

Among the findings and recommendations of the report: Employers with successful workforce readiness training incorporate a culture committed to training and thorough job-readiness screening; strategic partnerships with local colleges, and a focus on integrating training with job-specific skills and career development; and constant re-evaluation to align training with company needs. It recommended that employers should track the cost and quality of training programs, and help focus philanthropic dollars and public-policy discussions on the need to link K-12, technical-school and college education to the workforce readiness skills that businesses need.