Addressing the skills gap in your team

Lack of skills shortage planning is a threat to businesses across the country, with 71% saying they don’t have a plan for growing skills (Open University). With 20% of the UK workforce under skilled for their jobs by 2030, just five years’ time, this is a growing problem that businesses need to address to protect themselves long term.

Since the pandemic, the UK workforce has shrunk, in part due to the rise of economically inactive individuals, that is those who are retired, claiming benefits due to sickness or those in university or study, and with an aging population and declining birth rates, this gap is set to increase over time.

Tackling the skills shortage is essential for not only growing your business but retaining staff, boosting morale and driving innovation.

12% of employees feel they could make a greater impact at work but lack the training and skills they need to succeed (Intellum, State of Education Initiative Report).

The growing areas of concern for skills shortages include;

• AI
• Green technology
• VR systems
• Engineering
• Teaching
• Health and social care
• Construction

The emergence of AI technology will also have a knock-on effect to entry level jobs where automation can take over tasks that junior members of the team undertake to grow their knowledge, skills and confidence. However, it’s important to remember that with any new technology, like we had with the switchboard operators, the calculator or the internet, jobs will be replaced but there will also be new roles coming available that we cannot yet anticipate.

What is key is the need for digital skills, in all roles. According to Lloyds Bank, 11.7 million people aged 15+ across the UK lack the essential digital skills needed for day-to-day life online.

So what can we do?

Upskilling your team doesn’t have to be a huge undertaking, even while it is important to do so.

Mentoring programmes that pair experienced team members with those developing in their roles are a great way to pass on valuable knowledge. Alongside this, giving your team access to digital skills training whether through free or paid-for platforms can make a real difference.

Crucially, building in time during the working week for learning and development and even subsidising courses where appropriate, shows your commitment to your team’s growth. It’s an investment that pays dividends in productivity, retention and overall business resilience.

If you’re looking to upskill your current workforce, there are fantastic resources available. Organisations like Cosmic offer a range of government-funded digital skills programmes that could be the perfect fit for your team.

If you’re ready to bring fresh talent into your business, we’re here to help. We specialise in connecting employers across the South West with talent who are eager to grow. Please contact me at joanne@cathedralappointments.co.uk.