South Yorkshire PolicyPod: What can the education and training sectors learn from employers on workforce skills?

28th January 2022

In this first episode of this newly launched South Yorkshire Policypod, we’re focussing on skills and education: what does our economy need and how can we make better use of the insights of employers?

In South Yorkshire, businesses reported that communication skills, digital skills, and adaptability are the most important skill sets for their current and future workforces to be effective in their employment.

But nearly a quarter of businesses see funding as the biggest barrier to providing skills and training opportunities. Almost as many rate the impact of time away from work and the availability of suitable training as the most important.

With our host James and our panel of guests from across education and business in this podcast, we’ll examine the issues and discover a key insight and understanding of their expertise and thoughts on the discussion

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About the South Yorkshire PolicyPod.

Through this podcast you’ll discover a range of views from our expert panels as they discuss the findings of the quarterly South Yorkshire Quarterly Economic Survey. This is not your traditional report format; you’ll gain a unique perspective from leading figures from businesses, organisations and public institutions in our region in a format which will allow open discussion and critical insight.

The South Yorkshire PolicyPod is a fantastic outlet for you to hear the latest issues affecting the South Yorkshire economy. The podcast is a must listen for those with a finger on the pulse of crucial matters affecting South Yorkshire, whether you are a business based in South Yorkshire, or simply have an interest in policy within the region.

The report findings used in the podcast; the South Yorkshire Quarterly Economic Survey, are used to influence local, regional and national governments and decision makers to help shape the support structures available to the local business community.

At the national level, it’s a leading indicator that picks up big changes in the economy, often before other surveys or official statistics. The influence of the survey is long reaching, impacting The Bank of England’s Monetary Committee, HM Treasury and the independent Office for Budget Responsibility when forecasting the UK’s economic performance.

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