Employers across East Yorkshire are helping to tackle skills shortages by sharing their experiences of recruiting new people and training their teams.
Many large and small businesses have already responded to a survey from the Hull and East Yorkshire Local Skills Improvement Plans (HEY LSIP) and others are being asked to submit their feedback by the closing date of Tuesday, January 31.
The findings, coupled with a programme of focus group events, will help HEY LSIP identify the business sectors that should be the top priorities for skills development in the region. The responses will also help the LSIP team complete the make-up of its board, with several places still to be allocated.
The Government has introduced 38 LSIPs nationwide under the leadership of various business support organisations, with Chambers of Commerce leading 32 of the new bodies.
Hannah Crookes, manager of HEY LSIP at the Hull and Humber Chamber of Commerce, said the board also comprised experienced people from other business organisations, local authorities and the education and training sector. Representatives of private sector businesses will be added, one of whom will be appointed as chairman.
In addition to conducting the survey, HEY LSIP is inviting businesses to join a series of virtual events which will raise awareness of its work and explore priority sectors.
The first event at 9am on Thursday, January 26, introduced the LSIP and give businesses the opportunity to discuss skills gaps and development. The second event at 1pm the same day focused on transferable skills.
Sector focus groups will begin on Monday, January 30, with ports, logistics and warehousing, with a session for manufacturing, engineering and construction on Tuesday, January 31.
The service sector including digital will be discussed on the morning of Wednesday, February 1, with the rural economy and tourism the subject for that afternoon. Health and social care and medicare will be explored on Thursday, February 2.
Businesses can find out more about the events and book their places by sending an email to Patricia Whiting at p.whiting@hull-humber-chamber.co.uk.
Hannah said: “The LSIP will only be successful if employers play as full a part as possible. That starts with sharing expertise and experience about the challenges around recruiting and training as well as opinions on what needs to change.
“The survey, which can be completed electronically, gives a great opportunity to do that. We have received excellent insight from major employers and from small firms who make up the vast majority of our business community. We hope to hear from many more before the closing date and we will use their input to make our work as relevant as possible to their needs.”
One of the first businesses to complete the survey was AA Global Language Services, which was formed more than 30 years ago in Worcester and expanded to Hull 12 years ago.
Kirk Akdemir (pictured), CEO of AA Global, said: “We completed the survey and we also had a discussion about the challenges faced by employers and employees alike following the pandemic and in the current economic climate, particularly the issues and opportunities around remote and hybrid working.
“We also looked at the challenges faced by young people entering the world of work following the pandemic due to the reductions in their formal education in a classroom environment, and the impact of social isolation.
“LSIPs have the potential to help employers tackle the problems presented by staff and skills shortages but it’s important that they are dealing with real-world experiences so it’s vital for businesses get involved.”
Ian Sadler, customer experience director in the region for UK-wide customer experience specialist insight6, said: “We provide valuable measurement and improvement tools to support businesses and we are aware the economy will only grow and develop if they have the right skills and access to training.
“We didn’t hesitate when the opportunity arose to share our views on local skills, and the issues we face as employers. We want to see the LSIP be successful and relevant for Hull and East Yorkshire.
“The only way that will happen is if employers come forward and voice their opinions and if all of us – public sector organisations and education and training providers – work together. The LSIP is a fantastic opportunity for us, as employers, to have our say and influence skills and training provision to better suit our needs.”
Hannah added: “The survey will be open until the end of the month and we would also urge employers to take part in our events, starting with the introductory sessions and continuing with focus groups, one-to-one discussions and representation on the LSIP board.”
To complete the survey, visit wh1.snapsurveys.com/s.asp?k=166938476946.
