North East Chamber of Commerce releases skills report
The report, released by the North East Chamber of Commerce, details the findings of the second phase of the North of Tyne and Tees Valley Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs).
It includes pathways to address the ‘concerning’ communication skills challenges.
The report reveals the need for a more tailored approach to training and employer engagement to address skills needs, drive regional productivity, and create a more inclusive workforce.
Rachel Anderson, assistant director of policy at the Chamber of Commerce (Image: Supplied)
Rachel Anderson, assistant director of policy at the Chamber, said: “We spoke to over 3,500 local businesses as part of the Chamber-led LSIPs project and it’s clear there is an urgent need for employers and educators to work together to ensure the region is equipped with the necessary communication skills to succeed.
“By addressing these challenges head-on, we can create a more inclusive and skilled workforce that meets the demands of the region’s job market now and in the future.”
The research found that an overwhelming 95 per cent of employers identified a need for further communication skills training among employees, with problem areas including professional client communication and verbal telephone skills.
The recent report also highlights that the North East faces greater challenges in this area compared to other regions, with statistics showing that around one in five people leave school without qualifications, and one in four are not in employment, education or training.
It also found that a quarter of adults have low literacy skills and a reading age below seven years old.
Ms Anderson added: “We know that high quality education and learning drives regional productivity.
“It makes people and communities healthier, happier and more resilient.
“Equality of educational access is also key to addressing the region’s high levels of child poverty.
“We will continue to work with local and national government to address the region’s skills gaps, making full use of devolved powers and funding.”
The Phase 2 report outlines potential pathways to address challenges including developing an employer-endorsed communication skills framework.
This would create a shared language between employers and education providers, ensuring training aligns with real-world job requirements.
A redesign of recruitment practices to focus on skills and competencies rather than qualifications is also suggested in the report, improving candidate confidence and encouraging more applications.
The final recommendation includes increasing collaboration with the voluntary, community, and social enterprise sector for people to be able to access safe spaces to improve their communication skills and their confidence, whilst fulfilling corporate social responsibility and civic responsibilities.
Education providers are actively implementing innovative solutions to bridge the skills gap.
Successful approaches include employer-led masterclasses, work experience programmes, employer involvement in course delivery, networking events, job fairs and skills bootcamps.
Local colleges have also utilised the Local Skills Improvement Fund (LSIF) to introduce new training facilities, virtual reality training and the introduction of industry-standard software to meet employer needs.
Zoe Lewis, principal/CEO at Middlesbrough College, said: “The Tees Valley further education colleges have worked collaboratively with the Chamber to respond to the findings of the LSIP reports.
“Measures have included investing in new emerging industries such as green technologies, mapping our curriculum to identify gaps, including in digital and professional construction skills, and adapting our training to increase the focus on soft skills and competencies to improve communication skills.”
She added: “We are committed to strengthening the bridge between education and employment and to supporting economic growth and business productivity.
“We look forward to continuing our work with our partners to promote and encourage employers to invest further in skills.”
In its recent comprehensive spending review submission, the Chamber welcomed the government’s ongoing commitment to the LSIPs, which are supported by the Department for Education.