Survey fears shows skills confidence in colleges

The Association of Colleges SME Survey 2020, released to mark Colleges Week from October 19 to 23, shows that 71 per cent of SMEs believe colleges are important to business for training and retraining staff.

Small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) leaders are calling for government action to help them deal with Covid-19 and the Brexit transition period.

Over half of SME leaders say they will need to retrain their workforce to survive. More than half (53 per cent) say that Covid-19 is now their key concern; 44 per cent say the skills gap is likely to increase due to the pandemic.

Meanwhile, 39 per cent say they would look to train, retrain or upskill their employees through colleges, compared to 21 per cent who would turn to a university or 13 per cent online courses; and 44 per cent believe colleges are best placed to skill their future workforce, compared to universities (22 per cent) and schools (21 per cent).

Andrew Hartley, Executive Director of Commercial and Operations, The Sheffield College, said: “The survey findings are a strong endorsement of colleges and their vital role in helping the country get back on its feet again.

“We understand this is an uncertain and unsettling time given the double impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and Brexit on businesses.

"Colleges offer the vocational education and training that provides employers with the talent they need for a skills led recovery.”

Joe Fitzsimons, Senior Policy Advisor, Institute of Directors, said: "Skills are fundamental to business, and the coronavirus outbreak has only made this clearer. However, the pandemic has also put further pressure on a training system that was already in need of an upgrade.

"For many firms, with uncertain cashflow, it's proving challenging to invest further in training staff.

"Business leaders are ready to work with the education sector and government to ensure we can address crucial skills gaps in the months and years ahead, and the UK's colleges will undoubtedly be a key piece of the puzzle."

For information visit www.sheffcol.ac.uk/employers