Over the past decades, the Government has been committed to improving skills. There has been significant progress, but reliance on public support has resulted in skills and training being focused in particular areas; driven by policy rather than employer need.
What if employers designed and ran flagship vocational programmes, with less reference to public money, and if employers and trade unions, together, owned and announced their own targets? What if all employees had real ownership of their own skills, knew that their work had something 'personal in it' for them and more individuals had a real connection between their own skills, their work and progression?
Over two fifths of employers would like to do more training but are prevented from doing so. Whilst the main barriers are internal, relevance of provision is still a factor because employers are not engaging with the publicly funded system. Only 27% of all employers have arranged or funded training for a recognised vocational qualification in the past 12 months. There remains a perception among employers that the public system is not relevant or high quality.
Add to this a widespread reduction in public funding, and there is now far less dependence on Government-led initiatives and an increasing appetite for developing innovative and employer-owned solutions. Sustainable change could be best achieved by employers creating their own skills solutions, encouraged by government, and to be in control of growing the skills they need.
The business world is fast moving from a 'job for life' mentality, with people enjoying a varied career with a number of different organisations, rather than remaining with the same employer for years. This means companies need to better understand the labour market in their sector, as well as their own business priorities. Following on from this, ensuring that employee engagement remains a priority can mean staff not only work at their best during their time with the business, but leave with a positive impression of the company. This helps to build company reputation as a highly valued employer, and will support recruitment drives.
Employers are therefore best placed to understand what the business really needs and can evaluate what works to ensure they achieve return on investment. However, support is available from trade associations, trade unions, sector skills councils and business communities. Working in partnership with these stakeholders and other employers allows business to be a key influencer in their field. There is now a real opportunity for employers to take the lead in their sector by devising solutions to the most pressing skills and development problems and working with like-minded employers to devise workable solutions.
Those brave enough to step up to the challenge will undoubtedly see tangible benefits: the sector gains a better supply of appropriately qualified people and individual businesses gain a skilled and committed workforce focused on achieving business goals.
Valerie Todd is talent and resources director at Crossrail and UKCES commissioner. She is delivering the keynote address at the World of Learning Conference. In her opening address, she is set to detail 'What does today's business need from L&D?'. Exploring how learning and development (L&D) can help businesses revitalise and grow by driving forward their own solutions.
The World of Learning Conference & Exhibition takes place on 27 and 28 September at the NEC, Birmingham.
