Chamber to explore future skills needs
The West & North Yorkshire Chamber in partnership with West Yorkshire Learning Providers is conducting research into future skills needs for businesses across the region. The COVID crisis has forced companies into different working arrangements and for many employees the furlough scheme, whilst providing some security, has meant that they have been away from the workplace through this period of immense change. The increasing use of digital technologies along with remote working over the last seven months has shown us that we can be more productive but has also highlighted the gaps in our ability to manage what were previously considered to be routine tasks. As companies face uncertainty there has never been more pressing need to examine existing skill sets and review whether these will be fit for the future.
Nick Garthwaite, WNY Chamber Chair and Managing Director of Christeyns, said, “We are encouraging all businesses to participate in this piece of research which will help us inform colleges and training providers of any gaps within their existing provision and how we can collectively look to address this. The last seven months have been extremely challenging and will have changed the way we work for many companies. This presents an ideal opportunity to be more innovative and creative in the way we do business and review the skills we need in order to do this.”
Alex Miles, Managing Director of West Yorkshire Learning Providers, said, “Now it is more important than ever for businesses and the education & skills sector to align to ensure local opportunities are identified, discussed and shared for future recovery and prosperity. It is anticipated the intelligence generated from this research will allow local skills providers to diversify and enhance their apprenticeships, careers and employability portfolio and their approach to different pedagogical considerations when delivering these programmes so they even further represent & respond to both business and economic needs now and into the future”
A short survey can be completed here https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/Chamber-WYLP-skills2020