It’s a concern that some organisations may pause their workforce development plans while the government rethinks its approach to skills. The establishment of Skills England, as highlighted in the City & Guilds Making Skills Work – The Path to solving the productivity crisis report, marks a crucial moment for reshaping these strategies. As the global skills partner, City & Guilds hears from leaders grappling with the uncertainty. This might make it tempting to wait, yet the benefits to acting now far outweigh the risks of delay.
The report reveals that more than 1-in-5 workers fear they lack the skills to sustain or advance their careers. It also predicts that nearly 1-in-5 jobs in the UK will change by 2030, with future workforces needing expertise in areas such as data, technology and sustainability. Waiting for the skills landscape to evolve could leave organisations lagging behind.
Skills-based organisations, supported by City & Guilds' comprehensive strategies, are aligning workforce challenges with engagement and retention priorities. According to the report, 84% of employees would stay with their company longer if they had access to learning and development opportunities. These companies are addressing future needs through meaningful learning, helping to mitigate potential disruption.
Focusing on skills has a direct impact on productivity. This is reflected by the 74% of senior decision-makers who view skills development as key to driving productivity. Staying committed to the skills agenda not only future-proofs businesses but also fosters innovation, resilience and growth.