Page 28 - Regional Employment & Skills Plan 2018

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Context
The following sector profiles are designed to provide a summary of the main findings of primary research gathered by the RLSP between January and June 2018.
The evidence detailed was gathered through either an electronic skills survey or via telephone interviews utilising the same question structure. The findings from these collection methods have been corroborated by the RLSP’s industry cluster groups.
The profiles are intended to provide a representative summary of views of the industry representatives and employers with whom the RLSP engaged with throughout the development and completion of this plan.
3.1 Advanced Materials, Manufacturing and Energy
A summary of consultation findings can be seen at:
http://www.rlp.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/Advanced-Materials-and-Manufacturing-Energy.pdf
Work-readiness
Only 29% of employers within the Advanced Materials, Manufacturing and Energy sectors stated that new recruits were work ready, with 39% stating that they were not. The most common reasons cited were that recruits lacked the skills you look for, the qualifications you look for and the work experience that you require.
Skills Challenges
Skills challenges within the sector remain an issue with 57% of employers highlighting that they experience skills challenges with issues relating to problem solving, specialist skills needed to perform the role, reading and understanding instructions and computer literacy. Skills challenges were also reflected within the recruitment challenges for specific roles with 58% of businesses stating that they had difficulty recruiting for specific roles, these roles included engineers, welders, CAD/drawing office roles and electro-technical. Future skills challenges were also identified which included digital and automation technologies as well as the impacts of an ageing workforce placing a high demand on both recruitment and internal upskilling.
Barriers to training
In total 57% of businesses surveyed experienced barriers to training with the most common barriers being
a lack of fund for training/training is expensive, can’t spare staff time, difficulty finding training providers who can provide training where or when we want. This suggests that there is the potential for a greater uptake of activity within the sector.
Priority
Increase the number of STEM learning pathways at all levels (e.g. Degree Apprenticeships in Manufacturing, Engineering, Energy, Material Science; Higher Apprenticeships in Business Improvement Techniques), including improving basic skills and expanding the use of apprenticeships to promote careers in engineering and STEM.
3.2 Financial and Professional Services and ICT
A summary of consultation findings can be seen at:
http://www.rlp.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/Construction-6.pdf
Regional Employment & Skills Plan South West & Mid Wales Sector Profiles