Posted: Thursday, 2 May 2024 @ 11:52
A recent report
from CMI highlights a significant gap in management skills within the UK
workforce, placing it behind other leading global economies. The UK currently
ranks sixth, falling behind the US, Japan, Germany, Sweden and Canada.
So what is a skills gap?
A skills gap is defined as the disparity between the skills that employers
need and those possessed by current employees or prospective employees in the
job market. Skills gaps exist in a range of sectors and disciplines including HGV
drivers, tech and project management. Indeed a study by the
Association of Project Management of their members found one in eight project managers believe
the skills gap is getting worse.
The gap in leadership and management is also concerning. People are
often promoted based on great technical abilities, however, lack the managerial
skills, confidence and know how to be effective in a leadership role.
A recent report from the World Management Survey analysed the different
sources of data and information about management and the UK labour market and
determined:
- The UK needs 10% more management job adverts
to require high level management skills if it is to close the gap with the
world’s most productive economies.
- The UK will need to recruit or upskill to
develop over 120,000 extra managers by 2030.
- Data suggests the UK’s health sector in
particular is undervaluing skilled managers, in comparison to other
sectors.
How can we
tackle the skills gap?
The short answer is
by focussing on developing the skills the economy will require, through
upskilling, mentoring, training and professional development. However, this is
a macro view.
By identifying
skills gaps early in your business will enable you to develop a competitive
edge: Good managers increase productivity by up to 15% (World Management
Survey) and engagement by 21% (Gallup) in turn reducing employee turnover and
job satisfaction. Increased training and progression opportunities are also
cited as one of the top considerations when seeking a new job role. Developing
an effective people function is key to attracting and retaining top talent,
that bring the skills your organisation need to thrive in an ever-changing
market.
Why apprenticeships
are the way to go?
Whilst professional
qualifications have their place, Apprenticeship Standards are developed by employers and designed to
provide employees with the in-demand skills employers are seeking. They focus
on equipping the learner with the knowledge, skills and behaviours to enhance
organisational capabilities and support individuals in their careers.
Intec's apprenticeship programmes in
leadership & management are delivered in partnership with the Chartered
Management Institute provide employees with the frameworks and theories to
support their role and have been proven to be effective in building confidence
in people of all ages and experience: Our Apprentice of the Year 2024, Mel
White, who was promoted to a Senior Customer Care Co-ordinator role whilst
studying her Team Leader Programme, had this to say;
'I was unsure about
enrolling on the programme at first, being the oldest one on the cohort made me
feel that this was a little beyond me and my capabilities, and I should leave
this type of thing to the “young ones”.
If I could give advice to any
mature people that are considering an apprenticeship, I would shout I from the
rooftops and say, ‘go for it’ be resilient and remember you’re never old to
learn (and thrive!)'
By utilising the power of
apprenticeships, you can upskill your workforce to support your organisation
through these difficult times. Rising business costs mean that many
organisations are turning inwards to develop their talent pipelines rather than
recruiting from outside. This move not only has financial benefits but also
provides employees with the career development and progression opportunities
they’re seeking, boosting job satisfaction, employee retention and creating
stronger, more resilient organisations.
Intec Business Colleges is
getting ready to launch our latest Operations/Departmental Manager Level 5 cohort (enrol by 22nd of June). If you would like to find out more, please contact us!