by Hannah Wilson, head of operations at the Yorkshire & Humber Institute of Technology
A recent report suggests that the UK is among the top five countries with skills deficits in the technology, engineering, life sciences and BFSI (banking, financial services and insurance) sectors.
The survey data from Hays Recruitment shows how far behind the UK currently is in these key sectors, putting it at risk of stagnant productivity, missed opportunities for innovation and hindered long-term growth.
Although this is a national issue, it needs to be tackled at a local and regional level to ensure that businesses in STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) industries have access to the skills they need to succeed.
STEM plays a critical role in today’s world and it influences nearly every aspect of our lives. Almost every industry is connected to STEM, whether directly or through other elements like their supply chains, so promoting STEM skills is vital for preparing the workforce of the future.
Sparking interest in technical education
To encourage the economic growth of the Yorkshire and Humber region, we need to spark interest in technical education and make sure there is a talent pool of highly skilled workers for STEM employers.
Our region has a strong industrial and cultural heritage with existing clusters of innovation and technological advancement. Key sectors such as construction, immersive technology, manufacturing, biotech and agritech are essential to the region’s economy – and as they grow, so does their demand for a skilled workforce.
At the Yorkshire & Humber Institute of Technology, one of our key objectives is to meet this demand by encouraging people to undertake a STEM education and learn new skills. To do this, we collaborate with seven education providers across the region to create cutting-edge learning environments and provide state-of-the-art technical facilities.
Attracting new talent
Today’s job market demands individuals with hybrid skills that blend STEM knowledge with essential soft skills, like commercial awareness, communication and enterprise. Such power skills are vital for navigating complex work environments, driving innovation and collaborating within teams. But how do we attract people who want to learn these skills?
To begin with, we need to emphasise how integral STEM has become to almost every career path. Whether it’s tech, healthcare, manufacturing or even the creative industries, STEM skills are at the core of modern innovation.
Highlighting the exciting and diverse career pathways available through STEM education, as well as the strong earning potential that comes with these roles, will go a long way in promoting STEM as an attractive, achievable option.
Offering real-world, hands-on experience is also critical. Students need access to education that brings classroom learning to life, getting involved with internships, apprenticeships and industry projects to help them gain the practical skills that will meet the real needs of businesses.
We also need to convince underrepresented groups that STEM is for them. This includes women in particular, who make up just 28% of the STEM workforce globally, as well as people from ethnic minority backgrounds and people who are LGBTQIA+.
The benefit for businesses
Many businesses in the region face challenges when it comes to upskilling their workforce, particularly in areas like operational efficiency, complex problem-solving, digital skills, advanced IT and technical expertise.
The rapid pace of technological change adds to this pressure, as businesses must constantly invest in new technology and simultaneously ensure their workforce is equipped to make the most of these innovations.
The Yorkshire and Humber Institute of Technology supports local businesses by working in collaboration with them to understand their needs, and provide education and training to our students that aligns with these needs. By doing this, we ensure course development is directly influenced by real-world demands.
Working with our employment partners, we incorporate practical industry experiences into the curriculum, ensuring that programs are flexible and can adapt to new or evolving workplace requirements. As a result, local businesses have access to a pipeline of industry-ready talent, who are equipped with the skills they need to thrive and stay ahead of technological advancements.
Through our collaborative work with education providers and employers, we provide individuals with industry-relevant technical skills, helping to drive innovation and economic growth in the Yorkshire and Humber region.
