# Pre Job-Training Platforms LearnUp is Closing the Skills Gap by Helping You Before You're Employed By Alyson Wyers | Published 2014-10-30 | Business Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/skills-gap References: [fastcoexist](http://www.fastcoexist.com/3035073/this-startup-wants-to-help-you-overcome-your-skills-gap-before-you-get-your-first-job) & [learnup](http://www.learnup.com) This startup specializing in the skills gap promises to triple your chances of getting a job. Based out of San Francisco, LearnUp is trying to close this gap by giving [entry-level jobseekers training](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/grind-soft) and sets up an interview for them. Specifically, retailers including AT & T, [Old Navy](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/old-navy-beauty-co) and [Staples](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/Staples-and-Party-City) are using the platform to train sales associates before they are even hired. There is an obvious breakdown between the education system and employers as many college-educated recent grads are either out of work or underemployed. Entrepreneur and LearnUp Co-Founder Alexis Ringwald noticed many companies were unable to find suitably qualified candidates for even entry-level positions and was resolved to make a difference. In an effort to close the skills gap, she and Co-Founder Kenny Ma started the job-training platform for roles that do not necessitate a degree. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.9/10 - Popularity: 36% | Activity: 74% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/business) > [New Ventures](https://www.trendhunter.com/newventures) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Pre-job Training:** LearnUp is one of a growing number of job-training platforms that are targeting the skills gap before employment. - **Closing the Skills Gap:** Closing the gap between the education system and employers is becoming a business opportunity for startups like LearnUp. - **Training for Job Roles Not Requiring a Degree:** LearnUp is pioneering a new kind of job-training platform for roles that do not require a degree. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Education Technology:** Edtech companies could partner with job-training platforms like LearnUp to provide additional training resources. - **Human Resources:** HR departments could use job-training platforms like LearnUp to improve employee skills within their companies. - **Retail:** Industries with high turnover rates, like retail, could benefit from using pre-job training platforms like LearnUp to improve employee retention. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Workplace Learning Tools](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lifeskylls.md) - [Workforce Upskilling Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/grow-with-google.md) - [Opportunity Discovery Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/look-ahead.md) - [Career-Accelerating Learning Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/career-accelerating-learning-platform.md) - [Futureproofing Edtech Startups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/edtech-startup.md) - [Elevated Learning Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/flup.md) - [Gamified Career Prep](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/prefiquest.md) - [Student-Specific Real-World Freelance Projects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/podium-education.md) - [AI-Enhanced Job Searching Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/simplify-job-search.md)