Businesses are being invited to complete a simple survey so that they can share their demands and expectations when it comes to the skills young workers need for the world of work.
The Chamber is leading a new Local Skills Improvement Plan for Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland – conducting in-depth research, insight and engagement with businesses, universities and colleges, and other regional stakeholders.
The plan will help strengthen the connection between the skills employers need and the education and training being delivered across the city and two counties.
It builds on engagement gathered through the previous LSIP, and responds to how the local economy and labour market have changed.
Digital and AI skills feature more prominently, reflecting the rapid changes taking place across workplaces and industries.
The plan also places a stronger emphasis on work readiness and transferable skills, recognising that technical knowledge is only one part of what employers need from their workers.
Other priorities are developing green skills for net zero and making sure skills provision is flexible and inclusive.
All further and higher education providers in the geographical area covered are contributing to the delivery of the plan – and businesses are being encouraged to play their part.
They can find out more about the plan by clicking here.
As part of the process of building a picture of what’s needed, we want to hear updated thoughts and insights from business leaders on recruitment, training, pathways and skills.
That input will feed anonymously into the plan and play a part in ensuring that local training provision reflects employer demand.
Harsh Shah, data analytics manager at East Midlands Chamber, which has its Leicester office in Friars Mill (pictured above), is overseeing the survey.
He said: “Filling in the survey will help businesses play their part in bridging the critical gap between education and employment.
“For the region’s companies, this isn’t just an administrative task – but a strategic investment in their future pipeline.
“Educational institutions and training providers will be able to use this data to design courses that reflect the real-world demands of modern industry.
“Direct insight from employers can help ensure the next generation of young professionals are not taught outdated theories. Instead, they will be able to get the practical, agile tools they truly need to succeed.
“By sharing their specific needs –such as digital competencies or soft skills such as communication and problem-solving – businesses can directly shape the talent pool from which they will soon hire.
“By being proactive they can help minimise the potential productivity drain caused by mismatched skills.
“By playing their part, the businesses of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland can build a more resilient workforce, ensures that youth unemployment is addressed with relevant training, and drive broader economic growth by aligning human potential with genuine commercial opportunities.”
The survey takes just five minutes to complete by clicking here.
