FEARS of skill shortages and problems with recruitment have sparked local businesses to take steps to future proof their workforce.
It comes after a survey by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce found 55 per cent of businesses had difficulties recruiting and 45 per cent said attracting and retaining skilled workers is their greatest concern.
A further 31 per cent said the lack of work-ready young people was a significant barrier to growth for their business.
The findings have resulted in Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and Worcestershire County Council launching a new call to action called ‘Inspiring Worcestershire: Creating our Future Workforce’.
The campaign aims to reduce the county’s skills gap and raise awareness of the employment opportunities by asking businesses to help educate and shape young people to make positive careers choices for the county.
One area where employers can make an impact is through ‘enterprise advisers’, volunteers working directly with schools and colleges.
These volunteers, drawn from business and other employers, are helping to develop effective engagement plans to ensure young people meet employers and make informed choices about their careers.
Matt Tope, Worcestershire Careers Hub manager, said: “The enterprise adviser network really is the most important system for employers to address the skills gap, for schools that want to improve their understanding of the careers market, and for young people who want to thrive in the future world of work.
“The county is well known for having the most engagement with enterprise advisers in England and, to Worcestershire’s credit, we currently have 80 of them volunteering in 65 high schools, SEN establishments, middle schools and colleges.
“I can’t stress enough how influential this has been in helping to boost the prospects of younger generations from all backgrounds.”
To find out more on enterprise advisers or to become one e-mail [email protected].
