[BfloGuy]

I suspect that many of these companies want the people to just materialize without having to go thru the hassle of training them.

I don't buy that. Any company will train employees if the benefit outweighs the cost.

[Cboldt]

-- Any company will train employees if the benefit outweighs the cost. --

Companies that invest in training often, maybe usually, lose the trained worker to a competitor, or some other greener pasture. "Loyalty" is absent, in both directions.

[rbg81]

Its not just the cost of training (which is substantial), but also the “risk” that the trainee will not work out or leave after getting ~$100K worth of training or so. Then the company has to start from scratch and time has been wasted—and you still have the same risk on the next guy. Its psychologically easier to wish that the right person will show up with the right training. And, when it doesn’t happen, they whine.

I have some sympathy. These companies are in a tough spot. Prior to the 70s, the “risk” part of the equation was a lot lower. But those people are likely retiring now—without replacements.