Initial Findings and Analysis
Employers face a soft skills barrier during recruitment
Respondents were asked what types/areas of training they were intending to provide to their staff or would most benefit the business. At a Greater Manchester (GM) level, 25% of businesses chose ‘Basic Functional Skills for Businesses’, making it the most popular response. The second and third most popular responses were ‘Business Leadership & Management’ and ‘Soft Skills’, with 25% and 23% of businesses selecting them respectively.
With a view to understanding training needs in different parts of GM, the responses to this question were analysed at a sub-regional level. This analysis revealed a similar trend in the GM sub-regions (GM North consisting of Wigan, Bolton, Bury, Oldham and Rochdale; GM Central consisting of Manchester city; and GM South consisting of Salford, Trafford, Stockport and Tameside). ‘Basic Functional Skills for Businesses’, ‘Business Leadership & Management’ and ‘Soft Skills’ were among the five most popular categories in the three regions.
Notably, ‘Business Leadership & Management’ was the top category in GM Central and GM South, while ‘Soft Skills’ was most in demand in GM North. Once more responses come in, the analysis will be done at a local authority level, which will enable the planning of provision to meet local needs.
Do you agree with the initial findings?
We’d like to hear your thoughts. Contact the team via gmlsip@gmchamber.co.uk.