One of the things I have found to be true, at least in my area, in findinding skilled labor, is the requirements. There may be 5 people that know all about a system, say version2, and are perfectly capable of learning versions 3 and 4, but are not hired, because they do not have version 3 or 4 experience. The market is so specialised, that it hurts itself. A perfect example are IT jobs requiring Microsoft or Cisco certifications. There are lots of techs around, that either already know how, or can learn real fast, but are not getting hired, because someone in HR, says they need a certification.
Then the non humans in HR are the problem.
Set up an intern/training program where full time employment depends on successful completion of what is needed skill wise.