Education and Skill Mismatches in the Labour Market: Editors' Introduction.

The article introduces several papers in the issue that discuss the problem of education and skill mismatches in the Australian labor market. The problem is not unique to Australia, as evidence exists that significant mismatching of jobs and workers exists in the U.S. and Europe. Persons with educational levels exceeding what their jobs demand earn less than similarly educated but better-matched employees. Conversely, undereducated people enjoy a small wage premium. Overeducation can plague a person for years. Training can be useful in boosting the earnings of both undereducated and overeducated employees. Further data and studies are needed to better understand the issue.