A world-class region needs world-class skills and economic success will depend on the quality of the workforce. In an area of high employment, skill levels are better than regional and national averages, but the demographic and technical challenges of the future mean businesses will require greater skills levels than in the past. Low skill levels need to be tackled, and progression routes to intermediate and higher skills need to be available and relevant to employers needs. This will also attract new employers to consider locating in the area.
As a developed economy, the capacity to innovate and grow comes from the skills and knowledge of the workforce. Raising skills levels to become a high skill economy means working with employers, to understand their needs. Now, education and training providers locally are collaborating to review those needs against existing provision of further and higher education courses, apprenticeships and other training.
A report was recently commissioned, resulting in a pilot scheme to provide a 'skills escalator' which will present progression routes from entry level upwards and will help tackle skills gaps, raise aspirations and improve our ability to compete. A good example of joined up working between the colleges is demonstrated by the new Foundation Degree offered by East Surrey College. See news story...
