more people with the technical skills for these changing jobs. But too often employers cannot access the training they need and, as a results, are spending less and less on training each year. “T e impact of the pandemic has made investing
in adult skills more important than ever. Employers need a more joined-up and fl exible system that can respond quickly to skills needs and opportunities. T e last year has seen the economy placed under the greatest strain it has experienced in decades and the full impact on employment and growth has yet to be seen. As businesses rebuild and respond to the challenges ahead, a more agile skills training system will be crucial.”
Talent acquisition through diversity Access to people is undoubtedly one of the biggest issues facing our business communities today. Multiple changes to the skills system, varying quality training and resources, and an evolving working environment mean that UK businesses struggle to fi nd the right people for their teams. T is is not a problem faced by businesses of any particular size or in any specifi c sector, but across the board. Indeed, Chamber research shows that more than 50% of companies say the time to fi ll a vacancy is longer than it was fi ve years ago. Talent acquisition is core to workforce development and will only be achieved through diversity. To nurture talent, we need to partner with the education system and businesses. A collaborative partnership will be crucial to getting results and helping UK business develop workforces fi t for both today and the future. To address these crucial issues and mitigate future
risks, the Chamber network is liaising heavily with Government, businesses, academics and employees. As a Chamber we are looking at how we can
better incentivise and support businesses to invest in the development of its people. We need to examine funding opportunities, shifting the focus from full qualifi cations to adult learning and place-based skills, and help businesses to identify, articulate and plan their skills needs.
Turning challenge into opportunity Innovation and talent acquisition will provide competitive advantage to companies coming out of the recent crisis. Markets will become more dynamic, and diversity, equity and inclusion will be key to long-term growth and sustainability. Skill obsolescence will remain a long-term risk. Technology will not only continue to change the way we work, but the workforce development itself. We need to stay ahead of the curve and Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce is supporting business in the county to turn these challenges into opportunity.
For more information, contact Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce on 01582 522448 or email
info@chamber-business.com
ALL THINGS BUSINESS 33
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44
