MIND THE GAP

 

Time to look beyond traditional hiring routes to bridge the skills gap
 

The skills gap in the UK continues to grow across a number of sectors with a rising demand for applicants who have real world experience of the workplace.
 

Having access to workers who are are well-trained, able to adapt and knowledgeable in their roles is a key factor that sets successful companies apart from failing ones. Yet, securing the right people with the right skills is getting more complex and challenging than ever before.
 

Research from City and Guilds claims that nine out of ten UK employers struggle to recruit, while two thirds predict that skills shortages will stay the same or get worse in the next three to five years.
 

According to a report from Prospects Luminate, Skills shortages in the UK 2019/20, which takes its data from the Employer Skills Survey (ESS) 2017, a third of vacancies in the UK were considered ‘hard to fill’ due to lack of required skills, qualifications or experience among applicants needs to do the job properly.
 

Furthermore, the Open University’s Business Barometer Report 2018 revealed that employers are spending over £6 billion a year on plugging skills gaps in their organisations. This outlay is predominantly from inflated salaries, temporary staffing, training for employees taken on at a lower level and additional recruitment costs.
 

The research, collated from 950 senior business leaders in organisations of all sizes across the UK between 8th and 25th May 2018 also revealed over the previous 12 months:
 

The skills challenge
 

While buying skills rather than building them may address the issue short term, to secure the skills you need long term, employers need to develop new approaches to workforce development and look beyond traditional hiring routes.

 

Building a workforce for the future
 

Apprenticeships are a vital part of the solution to the skills gap problem. Designed to create confident and competent staff in a particular role over time, they are a highly effective means for organisations of all sizes to build a strong talent pipeline.
 

By offering practical, high quality on the job training, you not only secure the skilled workforce you need for the future, but apprenticeships can bring a whole range of immediate benefits such as improved productivity and increased staff loyalty, retention and engagement.
 

And what’s more, there are also a range of funding options available with apprenticeships – so you may be able to dramatically reduce the amount that you spend on accessing and developing the skills you need, particularly if you are paying out to buy them in.
 

Improving social mobility

Lack of career path/advancement opportunities is one of the main reasons employees leave an organisation. Replacing good staff is expensive, but apprenticeships enable you to offer a clear pathway for progression. You can take on individuals with the right attitude and ambition and invest in them with apprenticeship training to prepare them for more senior positions.

Apprenticeships are fundamental to social mobility, and many apprentices start their journey at Level 2 which is a critical career entry point. This offers individuals who are new to a sector and/or role a strong foundation in their chosen profession before progressing through to Level 3, Level 4 and so on.
 

Improving our skills base is crucial to the future prosperity of the UK. In order to keep up with changing skills needs and attract the right people, we need to look beyond quick fix solutions and move towards a model of lifelong learning, where employees are continually learning, upskilling and ultimately, becoming more agile. Apprenticeships are central to this vision.

Strategies to Bridge the Gap

Navigating the evolving employment landscape requires innovative strategies, and at GP Strategies Scotland, we are at the forefront of bridging the gap between education and industry needs. Our multifaceted approach involves close collaboration with leading professionals, ensuring our programs align with current market demands.

We prioritise hands-on, experiential learning to equip apprentices with practical skills. Tailored mentorship programs connect learners with industry experts, fostering real-world insights. Our commitment to staying abreast of technological advancements ensures apprentices are prepared for the challenges of the future workplace.

By blending traditional education with contemporary industry insights, we empower apprentices to seamlessly transition into their chosen fields. At GP Strategies Scotland, we don't just address the skills gap; we strategically bridge it, offering a dynamic and forward-thinking approach that prepares our apprentices for success in today's competitive job market.

 

The Role of Technology

In our commitment to shaping the workforce of the future, technology plays a pivotal role at GP Strategies Scotland. Embracing the latest advancements, we integrate cutting-edge tools and platforms into our programs, ensuring apprentices are not just educated but technologically fluent.

Our approach recognises the transformative power of technology in various industries. From immersive virtual learning experiences to hands-on projects with state-of-the-art tools, we empower apprentices to navigate a digital landscape with confidence. By staying ahead of technological trends, we equip our apprentices with the skills needed to excel in a rapidly evolving job market.

At GP Strategies Scotland, technology is more than a tool; it's a gateway to innovation. We believe in harnessing its potential to cultivate a dynamic learning environment that prepares apprentices for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Join us at the forefront of technological integration and future-proof your career with GP Strategies Scotland.

 

The Individuals Responsibility

At GP Strategies Scotland, we emphasise the crucial role of individual responsibility in the pursuit of professional growth. Recognizing that success is a collaborative effort, we empower apprentices to take ownership of their learning journey.

We believe that each apprentice has a unique responsibility to actively engage in their education, seize opportunities, and cultivate a proactive mindset. Through self-directed learning and a commitment to personal development, apprentices can maximise the benefits of our programs.

Embracing this responsibility means staying curious, adaptable, and resilient in the face of challenges. At GP Strategies Scotland, we foster an environment where individuals understand the impact of their efforts on their own success. By taking charge of their educational experience, apprentices not only bridge the skills gap but also lay the foundation for a fulfilling and prosperous career.

 

Why Choose Us?

Discover the unparalleled advantages of choosing GP Strategies in Scotland. We stand out as leaders in bridging the skills gap, offering a transformative learning experience that propels your career to new heights. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in tailored programs designed to equip you with the skills demanded by today's dynamic job market.

At GP Strategies Scotland, we prioritise hands-on learning, ensuring that our apprentices gain real-world experience that goes beyond traditional education. Our dedicated mentors and industry experts provide invaluable insights, guiding you through a journey of growth and development.

What sets us apart is our unwavering dedication to fostering innovation. We cultivate a dynamic learning environment where creativity and critical thinking flourish. As an apprentice, you'll have access to cutting-edge resources, technologies, and opportunities that set the stage for success in your chosen field.

Join a community of like-minded individuals who share your passion for excellence. At GP Strategies Scotland, we are not just shaping careers; we are building a network of future leaders. Choose our apprenticeships in Scotland and embark on a transformative educational journey that empowers you to thrive in the competitive landscape of tomorrow. Your success starts with us.