The video from an agency shows how much the emphasis has shifted to pleasing applicants, with a shortage of good people increasing.
Anyone currently trying to recruit staff in the UK can have problems. This includes removal businesses and other service sector employers, although finding technical staff to support facilities we all rely on is a particular problem.
In a recent survey, 88% of business in that field reported recruitment issues. Changes in taxation rules, educational fall off during the pandemic and Brexit have all been blamed, although efforts are under way to assist.
Creating A Match
the Sussex and Surrey Institute of Technology differs from a majority of colleges and universities, by building collaborative partnerships between businesses and education providers. The objective is to create skills the local community require.
An example is their initiative supporting technology apprentices from Gatwick. Students gain first hand experience at the airport and a technical education, with input to the curriculum from the airport, on IT and cyber security.
A generation ago, almost a third of school leavers would pursue an apprenticeship. That fell away and despite a number of government schemes, university has long been preferable, although this is changing.
Apprenticeships created for the wrong reason are being replaced by those offering a genuine education and skills that are sought after. We need to do this in Surrey, to protect the future for all of us.
A High Tech Economy
Surrey has a wide range of businesses but one sector is leading the way. More than 22,000 tech start ups chose Surrey, ranging from electronics, to fintech, to modern media, or space and satellite companies.
Apart from being a great place to live and a good geographic location, they come to the county because of an educated, capable workforce. If we cease to meet that need, we lose the world leaders those start ups can become.
Surrey County Council’s current economic strategy highlights the need to develop partnerships between business and education. The most viable way to maintain the level of opportunity Surrey offers.
Meeting Wider Needs
Nurturing high tech employees and the companies they work at has a secondary outcome. The entire business environment improves, better staff are drawn to the area across a wide range of sectors.
We know this as a removals company which is proud of our staff’s capabilities and approach to serving customers. Good people are attracted to working for us due to the location and quality of work.
They also recognise a place where a diverse and inclusive workforce is welcomed, judged on ability alone. Opportunities for their own children to be educated can matter, or to improve their own skills.
Seeing the Gatwick scheme and others similar come to life is welcome. Part of a structure which should be in place to take Surrey forward and ensure the county remains a desirable place to make your life.
