Northern Devon Skills Report Published
12th November 2013
More than a quarter of local businesses in North Devon and Torridge report that skills gaps (where someone isn’t fully proficient at their job), has lost them business or customer orders, according to a new report published this month.
The Northern Devon Skills Report has been produced by North Devon+, the economic regeneration company for North Devon and Torridge, with academic partners SERIO at Plymouth University, on behalf of the Northern Devon Employment & Skills Board (ESB).
341 local businesses took part in the survey, which has been supported by the North Devon Manufacturing Association and the Federation of Small Businesses, demonstrating a high level of interest in local skills.
Over half of all skills gaps reported by local businesses were from those employing between two and nine people. Wholesale and retail topped this chart, closely followed by business services and accommodation and food services.
At the other end of the scale a quarter of local businesses did not use all of their employee skills, with arts, entertainment and recreation, and business services accounting for 42% of all those with overqualified staff.
The Employment and Skills Board will use the Northern Devon Skills Report to inform a targeted future focus for the ESB action plan and will share the data with colleges, schools, local agencies, training providers and other interested parties.
Sarah Grigg, Employment and Skills Manager at North Devon+ said: “The Northern Devon Skills Report will help us to identify the skills gaps and inform training provision to better meet employer needs. Addressing this issue will ensure that the local area is better equipped and will help promote growth and productivity in North Devon and Torridge.”
The report findings will be presented at a Breakfast Briefing on the 28th of November at the Park Hotel in Barnstaple. Interested parties can register to attend at www.ndemploymentandskills.co.uk
ENDS
North Devon & Torridge Skills Research Breakfast Presentation
This event will take place on 28th of November, 07.15 – 9.00am, at the Park Hotel in Barnstaple.
• Find out what 341 local businesses think about recruitment and training
• Learn about skills gaps and hard to fill vacancies
• Discover how employers feel about young people entering the world of work
• Understand the local business experience of training provision
• Gain an insight that can help inform your business training plan.
Notes to Editors
For more information regarding this press release contact: Emma Parker Reynolds at Coast on 07944 360631 or the Coast main office on 01752 847135.
About North Devon
North Devon is the chief economic delivery agency for North Devon and Torridge. We aim to deliver positive change, creating a more productive economy and more prosperous communities. Our role is to ensure our area thrives as a place in which to live, learn, work and visit. Our primary focus is on regeneration, tourism and business development. We work with Torridge District Council, North Devon Council, Devon County Council and the private sector to deliver projects and initiatives that encourage and support business growth, improve quality of life, and address social and economic inequalities. North Devon is a member of the National Enterprise Network. To find out more visit www.northdevonplus.co.uk
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