The Learning and Skills Council (LSC), the organisation responsible for making England better skilled and more competitive, has launched their annual series of reports on Skills in England . The reports contain information on the demand for, and supply of, skills as well as mismatches between demand and supply.
The reports conclude that there are significant skill gaps for technical and vocational skills in manufacturing and construction sectors. In most cases, this gap is due to the lack of supply rather than the pace of growth in demand, many people being unwilling to work in these sectors.
These areas with the most significant skill shortages and gaps tend to also be the sectors and occupations in which employment levels are falling.
The report recommends that:
o Refocus training for the young. Most training remains focused on the best qualified, while those most in need get least.
o There is a greater need to focus on adults, especially those who have missed out on basic numeracy and literacy skills.
o More also needs to be done to encourage employers to focus their training on future skill needs (as opposed to induction and health and safety, important as these are).
ETB linked activity:
The ETB believes in taking an evidenced based approach to education and skills initiatives. Many of the gaps in data identified in the 2005 Engineering UK report, our statistical guide on the supply and demand of labour in engineering and technology, informed our 2006 edcuation and skills research agenda. Three projects worth highlighting are:.
o A study on 'Employer Engagement in Foundation Degrees' which is in partnership with Foundation Degree Forward and the Engineering Subject Centre;
o A study looking at the data available on 16-19 vocational education and providing statistical information based on qualitative research on areas such as progression, drop out rates and widening participation; and
o A third project which will be a mapping of progression from advanced apprenticeships to foundation degrees.
http://www.lsc.gov.uk/National/Documents/SubjectListing/Research/SkillsinEngland/sie-2005.htm |
