Chamber launches skills survey for business
EMPLOYERS across Hampshire are being urged to complete a short online survey designed to identify the skills most needed in the workforce.
They are invited to say what help would make the biggest difference to training and professional development and improve the supply of skills.
The survey has been launched by Hampshire Chamber of Commerce and will inform the county’s two government-funded Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs).
Hampshire Chamber is the lead body for the Solent economic area LSIP and is supporting Surrey Chamber on the plan for North Hampshire and the whole of Surrey.
The survey features questions covering recruitment challenges and gaps employers may be facing in specialist, technical and personal skills and the expertise needed for essential activities such as project management, sales, business development and leadership.
Claire Froggatt, Solent LSIP Programme Director, said: “As an employer or manager you may feel a specific skill is lacking in your workplace or you have struggled to recruit sufficiently ‘good’ candidates with the right skills and qualifications for particular roles.
Resources
“By completing the survey, you will be helping us build a highly detailed picture of where skills gaps exist in the labour market. From there we can work to unlock resources to adapt training to meet employer needs.”
The survey complements a week-long series of ‘engagement workshops’ in the Solent and across Hampshire in which LSIP representatives and employers discussed skills needs face to face.
Meetings were held in Southampton, Portsmouth, Basingstoke, Winchester, Farnborough and the Isle of Wight ahead of a ‘stakeholder summit’ at Marwell Zoo designed to bring firms together with education providers, policymakers, charities and the public sector.
Ross McNally, Hampshire Chamber Chief Executive, said: “This is all about understanding the skills and training solutions that businesses need to grow and prosper.
“If you run a business or have a responsibility for managing staff, I urge you to take a few minutes and complete the survey.
“LSIPs are intended to put employers at the heart of the skills system. This is your chance to have your say.”
Process
Data from the survey, coupled with feedback captured at the workshops, will be included in a report to be submitted to the Department for Education in summer 2023 and inform the LSIP process over the coming three years.
Pending approval, the report will be published by the Secretary of State and the plan put into practice, ensuring all interested parties are aware and education providers embed LSIP priorities in their curriculum development.
The survey, which will remain open until Friday, March 17, can be found at https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/HCofCLSIPsurvey.
PICTURED: Hampshire Chamber Chief Executive Ross McNally presents to Solent employers at an engagement workshop at the Hilton Ageas Bowl, Southampton
