More than 200 companies will attend the government’s Skills for Growth conference today, when some of the biggest British and international companies will discuss how to address the urgent recruitment needs of businesses, which together currently have more than a million job openings.
Education Secretary Gillian Keegan says the lack of the right skills amongst employees feels like ‘driving with the handbrake on’. “I know from my years in business that organisations drive innovation and create opportunities, but without skilled workers, it often feels like you’re driving with the handbrake on.
“The Government is investing in building future skills for growth and calling on businesses to work with us, so that together we can build the workforce of tomorrow.
Business and Trade Secretary Kemi Badenoch said: “Successful companies need skilled workforces and as the Business and Trade Secretary I want to listen to the needs of business to ensure that the skills system delivers for them, creates even more highly skilled jobs and grows the economy.
“This conference is vital to show how government can support business to build our skills base and ensure we have the right workforce for the jobs of the future.”
In addition to the conference, the government is urging employers to hire more apprentices, especially younger workers, and to invest more in training and upskilling their workforce. We are also highlighting the wide range of government-backed courses and support which is available, including Skills Bootcamps and Free Courses for Jobs as well as £2.7 billion of additional funding to support businesses to take on more apprentices and the ongoing rollout of T Levels.
The event is also being delivered in partnership with World Skills UK, organisers of the participation of skilled UK professionals in the world’s largest competitive skills showcase. Previous winners of World Skills events will also be present to discuss their experiences.
The critical mass of expertise assembled at the Business Connect – Skills for Growth conference will inspire business leaders and help to grow the UK economy, creating jobs, prosperity and opportunity for people regardless of their background whilst plugging critical skills gaps which many businesses face.
