FEATURE

EDUCATION

Skills initiatives step up a gear

The importance of skills development for our business communities cannot be over-stated right now. A tough labour market is making it difficult for many firms to grow, and so initiatives that help in this area are welcomed. Bradford is gearing up for a month of skills-based activities later in the year, while Leeds has the Manufacturing Festival, the University Technical College (more about the latter in our ‘Business Engagement’ piece) and various other schemes. October will see the very first ‘Bradford Skills Month’, which pulls together both current and new initiatives that sees businesses and young people come together for mutual learning and development. Key stakeholders such as the Chamber of Commerce, the education sector, Newsquest and the Council are working on a programme of events when businesses will, among other things, open their doors for young people to learn about career options and skills needs. This is the coming together of Bradford Manufacturing Weeks (BMW) and Tech Week, as well as organisations from the health and social care and culture sectors, to support, nurture and inspire future talent. More information is due out soon, but for starters a webinar on 12 July will provide more details – contact Laura Slevin at bradfordcte@bradford.gov.uk and request to join it. The initiative builds on the success of BMW, established in 2018, and Tech Week, launched last year, to ensure that quality employment opportunities and fulfilling career paths are explored and demonstrated by young people. Bradford Chamber President commented: “This is an extension to the great work already being done in the area of career opportunities, skills enhancement, and better mutual understanding of enterprise, employment and education. I’m confident that our members will get behind Skills Month as continue to adapt to changes in the world and new ways of working.”