29 November 2025
How do employers and employees respond to the need for higher technical skills?
The Learning & Work Institute have published a report, supported by the Gatsby Foundation, which looks at how organisations and employees make decisions on higher technical skills in response to growing need.
Employers and staff in the advanced manufacturing and construction industries in North East England and the East Midlands were covered in the research. Employers see higher technical skills as important and see a strong demand for them, but also face issues with gaining and retaining these skills in the workforce as older skilled workers retire.
Most employers were upskilling staff rather than recruiting, and external training is preferred, especially where an accreditation is required. Some smaller employers found it difficult to access information and guidance on training options.
Among its findings, the report states that ‘he Lifelong Learning Entitlement may have limited impact on upskilling without additional careers support for individuals, particularly for older employees.’
Read the ‘Responding to higher technical skills needs’ report.
Employers and staff in the advanced manufacturing and construction industries in North East England and the East Midlands were covered in the research. Employers see higher technical skills as important and see a strong demand for them, but also face issues with gaining and retaining these skills in the workforce as older skilled workers retire.
Most employers were upskilling staff rather than recruiting, and external training is preferred, especially where an accreditation is required. Some smaller employers found it difficult to access information and guidance on training options.
Among its findings, the report states that ‘he Lifelong Learning Entitlement may have limited impact on upskilling without additional careers support for individuals, particularly for older employees.’
Read the ‘Responding to higher technical skills needs’ report.
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