Employer Skills Survey published

In response to the Employer Skills Survey from the UK Commission for Employment and Skills, Martin Doel, Chief Executive of the Association of Colleges, said: “There needs to be a change in attitude around education and training in the UK if we are to close the skills gap and boost productivity. “This survey shows that skills shortages are continuing to rise, with a large number of job vacancies due to skills shortages in areas such as construction, transport and manufacturing. If the UK is to tackle these skills gaps and boost productivity we need to ensure there are sufficient technical and professional options at higher levels as well as traditional three-year university degrees. “One of the essential elements of a sustainable economic recovery is to ensure that everyone has a well-rounded mix of employability skills which includes soft skills. Our further education colleges prepare people with the skills for the workplace through expert teachers, industry-standard facilities and a close on-going relationship with local employers of all sizes.”