Partnering for workforce progress: Solutions for skills and employment
We hear a lot about skills gaps, but what do we really understand about these shortages and how can we support businesses to recruit and develop the skills needed for the future? It’s an area we’re interested in at Filigree following on from our work with Region of Learning and Work Hounslow.
Where are the gaps?
Recent studies highlight the severity of the UK's skills deficit and according to the latest Skills Horizon Barometer, released by the UK Government’s Skills for Life campaign, nine in ten English SME businesses report difficulties in filling skills gaps, especially in entry-level and specialist roles1. This shortage is not limited to technical abilities, it also encompasses soft skills such as problem-solving and teamwork, which are increasingly in demand across various industries.
We went along to an event, hosted by Norfolk Chamber of Commerce where we heard that the important work to decarbonise buildings and build new homes are threatened by a significant skills gap. At the ‘Local Skills Improvement Plan’ (LSIP) event, a local plumbing firm spoke about the shortages they are experiencing, particularly for the skills needed to install and maintain air source heat pumps in homes. They have enrolled staff on to retraining programmes, even investing in equipment at the local college to address these shortages and future-proof their business. However, they also recognise that the current training ecosystem is insufficient for large-scale re-skilling and more needs to be done.
Where business engagement is needed
It was so insightful to hear how a local business and industry is being impacted by skills shortages and what this event really highlighted for us was that cross-sector collaboration on a large scale is going to be needed. Effective engagement with businesses is going to be key to understanding and addressing skills gaps and employers must collaborate with educational institutions and policymakers to identify specific skill shortages and develop targeted training programmes.
Find out how Filigree could help...
Leveraging our expertise in engagement, we would implement a tailored consultation process that helps businesses and policy makers to address skills gaps effectively. Our approach would facilitate an open and inclusive dialogue with a sample of businesses of varying sizes including SMEs and stakeholders across different sectors and locations, to identify where gaps exist and why.
Depth interviews, surveys and group formats such as workshops would enable us to explore the issues and inform case studies to contextualise the issues and create more meaningful conversations and targeted insights. The feedback generated through this type of engagement would help to inform actionable strategies to bridge skills gaps and help towards creating a more resilient workforce.
The Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) in Norfolk & Suffolk
In Norfolk and Suffolk, the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) is a government initiative that places employers at the heart of the skills agenda. The Norfolk Chambers of Commerce are leading the LSIP to address local skills shortages and align education and training with the needs of businesses.
The LSIP focuses on key sectors such as agri-tech, climate adaptation, net zero, workforce digital skills, and soft skills. By engaging with employers across various industries, the LSIP aims to identify specific skill needs and collaborate with educational providers to develop targeted training programs.
Through initiatives like the LSIP, employers are empowered to actively participate in shaping the skills landscape, ensuring that the workforce is equipped with the necessary skills to meet current and future demands.
Find out more about the LSIP and Norfolk Chamber of Commerce here.