Its not a lack of skills its a lack of employers who are prepared to accept that what they are looking for in an employee is maybe a little too restrictive.For example, I know of one company in england which has been trying to get someone for ages who has a lot of experience in using verilog and as anyone who knows anything about these things will tell you for historical reasons verilog isnt used that much in the UK, but try telling them that and they will not have it.Also employers who dont know what they want except they do want someone who is going to work 24 hours a day 7 days a week for the privilage of getting a ulcer and no social life which is a very american attitude which is showing up over here as I am sure american memebers will confirm.
also incompetant employment agencies who still think that embedded systems design has something to do with staying in bed.