How do skills mismatch and demographic factors contribute to labor market segmentation in industry-specific job markets?

Labor market segmentation happens when different groups of workers have unequal access to jobs, often based on their skills and demographic factors like age, gender, or education. A skills mismatch occurs when workers do not have the qualifications needed for available jobs, making it hard for them to find work in certain industries. For example, if a company needs workers with advanced technology skills, but many applicants only have basic skills, those applicants may struggle to get hired, leading to a gap in the job market. Additionally, demographic factors can influence hiring practices; for instance, some industries may favor younger workers over older ones, which can limit opportunities for older applicants. Together, these factors create a divided job market where some groups thrive while others face barriers.