Are you an employer lost in the education landscape?

Both T-Levels and HTQs combine classroom learning and ‘on-the-job’ experience to help students prepare for their chosen career.

WHAT RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLE FOR BUSINESSES?

One clear message we are hearing from businesses through the LSIP project is that the education and skills system is complex to engage with and understand. With recent changes and new business opportunities, it’s not surprising most employers are confused about knowing what skills and qualifications to look out for when hiring new talent or upskilling their workforce.

We hosted a recent event with local businesses on this exact topic to explore the barriers and opportunities in more detail. This article showcases some of the key things that businesses should be considering.

WHY IS UNDERSTANDING THE EDUCATION LANDSCAPE IMPORTANT?

A skilled workforce is one of the biggest assets for any business as they play a pivotal role in a business’ success. Understanding the diverse range of training pathways within education can help businesses: n reduce costly recruitment activity. n upskill existing staff. n bring awareness to emerging trends. n build new local partnerships.

Understanding and engaging with the education landscape also offers schools, colleges, universities and employers a strong value exchange. By sharing business knowledge with students, employers can help shape and inspire career choices and empower young people to make the right choices for them. Collaborating with teachers can also strengthen their professional understanding of current and future industry demands and help develop course content to better reflect real world business needs.

WHAT HAS CHANGED?

Today, the education landscape is offering students even more options beyond the academic pathway. Young people from age 16 can now choose from a range of options from the technical education system.

Developed with employers, new T-Levels, apprenticeships and Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) have been created to help bridge the gap between student technical education and the requirements of the industry.

A key resource that has recently been created is The Education Landscape: A Guide for Employers. It was developed over three years with businesses and business representatives, and summarises the opportunities for business to engage with education and skills partners. Visit https://educationlandscape.org. uk/ and check out their handy guide packed with information on why it’s important to get involved now.

HOW CAN LOCAL SKILLS IMPROVEMENT PLANS (LSIPS) HELP?

The Department for Education wants the local education system to be more responsive to the needs of local businesses. LSIPs have been designed to put employers at the heart of the skills system and ensure that local businesses’ voices are heard to help influence and shape local skills and training provision.

The goal of the project is to capture the feedback of businesses about their challenges in a coherent way to drive change in skills and training provision locally, such as highlighting the importance of local colleges and providers improving the accessibility of the information and support they provide.

To fi nd out how to get involved, check out the Surrey and North/Mid Hampshire LSIP website: www.surrey-chambers.co.uk/ future-skills-hub