Following the Stockport Work and Skills Commission Workshops that took place across the borough, the council are inviting businesses to participate in a whole day summit to review the findings.
The information and intelligence that has been gathered as a result of the Work and Skills Commission Workshops, along with an online survey, will form the basis of discussions.
Around 100 individuals and groups took part in the targeted workshops during January and February to discuss vital issues around work, recruitment and skills. The feedback from these workshops will be used alongside additional information to help create a set of work and skills priorities for Stockport and help shape the action plan for tackling work and skills issues across the borough.
We’re looking for valuable input from a variety of sources, including employers from all sectors, local residents, the education sector and training providers.
The event is free to attend with refreshments and a light lunch provided.
When: 9.30am – 4.30pm, Thursday 8th March
Where: Cheadle House – De Vere, Royal Crescent, Stockport, SK8 3FS.
Booking: To book please visit Eventbrite
Understanding the skills gap
The importance of improving productivity is a major challenge for all of the UK. Addressing the skills gaps is crucial to achieving this goal.
Stockport is home to a productive workforce. We are one of a few boroughs in Greater Manchester with productivity above the North West average. However, we know that like every other area in the country, there are skills gaps that need to be addressed. Particularly in ensuring employers are able to recruit jobseekers with the skills sets needed.
We are committed to ensuring that the borough continues to develop the local skills base as much as possible. This is within both the existing workforce of employers, but also among those residents not currently in employment. This is crucial for future prosperity and growth in the economy of both Stockport and Greater Manchester.
Future devolution of the Adult Education Budget from the Government to Greater Manchester, provides opportunities to shape the skills to employer needs. Skills development is also a key element to promoting strong employment practices within Greater Manchester. This will be developed through the Mayor of Greater Manchester’s Employment Charter.
To support these ambitions, we are keen to have conversations with as many local businesses as possible. We want to understand the skills challenges you face and engage you in the co-design of the future skills provision of training providers.