Skills England publishes Sector skills needs assessments - Revision history

Designing Buildings at 05:33, 6 June 2025

2025-06-06T05:33:24Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 05:33, 6 June 2025
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	On 2 June 2025 Skills England published the findings of its analysis and engagement with sectors on the growth and skills offer, and skills needs assessments for 10 priority sectors.		On 2 June 2025 Skills England published the findings of its analysis and engagement with sectors on the growth and skills offer, and skills needs assessments for 10 priority sectors.

−	The first report Skills England:Sector evidence on the growth and skills offer, notes how Skills England’s analysis supports UK growth by aligning training with evolving skills needs. It highlights that employers find current apprenticeships too rigid and outdated for rapid tech changes.	+	The first report Skills England:Sector evidence on the growth and skills offer, notes how Skills England’s analysis supports UK growth by aligning training with evolving skills needs. It highlights that employers find current apprenticeships too rigid and outdated for rapid tech changes. SMEs struggle with administrative burdens. Stakeholders call for shorter, flexible apprenticeships, AI and leadership add-ons, expanded boot camps, and streamlined systems to boost workforce entry and adaptability.
−		+
−	SMEs struggle with administrative burdens. Stakeholders call for shorter, flexible apprenticeships, AI and leadership add-ons, expanded boot camps, and streamlined systems to boost workforce entry and adaptability~~. The 10 priority areas highlighted in the reports are listed with the 6 relating to the built environment described in brief in the following chapters~~.	+

	To read the full reports on each of the areas visit [https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/skills-england-skills-for-growth-and-opportunity Research and analysis. Skills England: Skills for growth and opportunity.]		To read the full reports on each of the areas visit [https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/skills-england-skills-for-growth-and-opportunity Research and analysis. Skills England: Skills for growth and opportunity.]

Editor at 16:13, 3 June 2025

2025-06-03T16:13:25Z

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−	[[File:~~Skills England sector assessments 25 1000~~.jpg\|link=https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/skills-england-skills-for-growth-and-opportunity]]	+	[[File:Skills_England_sector_assessments_25_1000.jpg\|link=https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/skills-england-skills-for-growth-and-opportunity]]

	= Background and introduction =		= Background and introduction =
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	PBS employers raised concerns about foundation apprenticeships not aligning with professional standards. They called for more flexibility in the apprenticeship levy to fund shorter, targeted upskilling courses—especially in digital, AI, and transferable skills. Other priorities include reducing bureaucracy, enabling short-term workers to train, and revisiting rigid entry/exit requirements.		PBS employers raised concerns about foundation apprenticeships not aligning with professional standards. They called for more flexibility in the apprenticeship levy to fund shorter, targeted upskilling courses—especially in digital, AI, and transferable skills. Other priorities include reducing bureaucracy, enabling short-term workers to train, and revisiting rigid entry/exit requirements.

−	[[Category:~~Articles_needing_more_work~~]]	+	= Related article on Designing Buildings =
		+
		+	* A 10 point plan to overcome the construction and infrastructure skills gap
		+	* Achieving carbon targets and bridging the skills gap.
		+	* Apprenticeships levy.
		+	* Architectural training.
		+	* Boardroom to building site skills gap survey.
		+	* Building Skills for Offsite Construction.
		+	* CIOB responds to skills strategy for Northern Ireland.
		+	* Civil engineering soft and digital skills.
		+	* Civil engineer quashes apprenticeship myths.
		+	* Construction Industry Training Board CITB.
		+	* Construction recruitment agency.
		+	* Construction skills crisis threatens UK net zero goals.
		+	* Construction skills shortage still stifling growth
		+	* Eight ways to win the fight for talent in construction.
		+	* Five transferable skills important to civil engineering.
		+	* Flexible courses for lifelong learning.
		+	* Government Skills and Curriculum Unit GSCU.
		+	* Industry placement CSCS card to help learners into construction.
		+	* Industry Skills Plan 2021-2025.
		+	* Interview with Carol Lynch, CYT.
		+	* National Infrastructure Plan for Skills.
		+	* National vocational qualification.
		+	* Negotiating skills for conservation professionals.
		+	* Payments for recruiting new apprentices.
		+	* Perkins review of engineering skills
		+	* Protection for apprenticeships.
		+	* Q2 2021 trends indicate higher costs, lower employment.
		+	* Queen's Speech 2021.
		+	* Skills in the construction industry
		+	* Skills shortage and Brexit
		+	* Skills shortages lead to wages rise
		+	* Skills strategy for Northern Ireland.
		+	* Skills to build
		+	* Recruiting and retaining talent in the construction industry.
		+	* To attract the right talent, offering flexibility and work-life balance will be essential.
		+	* Wet trades.
		+
		+	[[Category:DCN_Commentary]] [[Category:DCN_Education_and_Training]] [[Category:Publications_/_reports]] [[Category:Research_/_Innovation]]

Editor at 16:10, 3 June 2025

2025-06-03T16:10:45Z

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		+	[[File:Skills England sector assessments 25 1000.jpg\|link=https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/skills-england-skills-for-growth-and-opportunity]]
		+
	= Background and introduction =		= Background and introduction =

Editor at 15:55, 3 June 2025

2025-06-03T15:55:03Z

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	* Digital and technologies		* Digital and technologies
	* (Financial services)		* (Financial services)
−	* Health and adult social care	+	* (Health and adult social care)
−	* Life sciences	+	* (Life sciences)
	* Professional and business services		* Professional and business services

−	= Advanced manufacturing ~~skills needs assessment report~~ summary =	+	= Advanced manufacturing summary =

	Manufacturing drives economic resilience and innovation across the UK, supporting many service sectors. Advanced Manufacturing (AM) integrates advanced science, digital, and automation technologies within production. While AM is a key focus, this briefing emphasises the broader manufacturing sector due to data availability. Industrial Strategy Sector Plans will soon provide detailed growth and skills analyses.		Manufacturing drives economic resilience and innovation across the UK, supporting many service sectors. Advanced Manufacturing (AM) integrates advanced science, digital, and automation technologies within production. While AM is a key focus, this briefing emphasises the broader manufacturing sector due to data availability. Industrial Strategy Sector Plans will soon provide detailed growth and skills analyses.
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	Manufacturing faces skills gaps, especially at Levels 4-5, hindered by limited funding, outdated apprenticeship standards, and weak industry-education links. Flexible, modular apprenticeships and short courses, supported by better funding and infrastructure investment, are needed to upskill workers, attract diverse talent, and address evolving tech demands like AI and automation.		Manufacturing faces skills gaps, especially at Levels 4-5, hindered by limited funding, outdated apprenticeship standards, and weak industry-education links. Flexible, modular apprenticeships and short courses, supported by better funding and infrastructure investment, are needed to upskill workers, attract diverse talent, and address evolving tech demands like AI and automation.

−	= Clean energy industries ~~needs assessment report~~ summary =	+	= Clean energy industries summary =

	Clean energy jobs, vital for the Clean Energy Superpower Mission and net zero goals, span renewables, nuclear, hydrogen, CCUS, and more. Key roles focus on STEM, skilled trades, and management. A forthcoming Clean Energy Workforce Strategy will guide workforce planning and skill development across the UK’s clean energy sectors.		Clean energy jobs, vital for the Clean Energy Superpower Mission and net zero goals, span renewables, nuclear, hydrogen, CCUS, and more. Key roles focus on STEM, skilled trades, and management. A forthcoming Clean Energy Workforce Strategy will guide workforce planning and skill development across the UK’s clean energy sectors.
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	DESNZ, alongside partners, is advancing initiatives like the Energy Skills Passport and Regional Skills Pilots to aid worker reskilling for clean energy roles. However, stakeholders highlight the need for more flexible, modular training and better alignment of education with industry needs. Challenges include skill mismatches, limited access for younger workers in hazardous sectors, and inadequate apprenticeship funding impacting program availability and capacity.		DESNZ, alongside partners, is advancing initiatives like the Energy Skills Passport and Regional Skills Pilots to aid worker reskilling for clean energy roles. However, stakeholders highlight the need for more flexible, modular training and better alignment of education with industry needs. Challenges include skill mismatches, limited access for younger workers in hazardous sectors, and inadequate apprenticeship funding impacting program availability and capacity.

−	= Construction skills ~~needs assessment report~~ summary =	+	= Construction skills summary =

	In 2022, the UK construction sector contributed £140 billion (6.2% of GDP) but has lagged in productivity and R&D investment. Demand will rise due to government plans to build 1.5 million homes, retrofit for net zero by 2050, upgrading 5 million homes, and develop green infrastructure. Increasing future skill needs is a requirement as estimates do not yet reflect these new commitments.		In 2022, the UK construction sector contributed £140 billion (6.2% of GDP) but has lagged in productivity and R&D investment. Demand will rise due to government plans to build 1.5 million homes, retrofit for net zero by 2050, upgrading 5 million homes, and develop green infrastructure. Increasing future skill needs is a requirement as estimates do not yet reflect these new commitments.
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	Key gaps in construction training include the need for greater flexibility in using the apprenticeship levy, support for shorter and modular training, and ensuring college graduates have site access credentials. Employers support modularised courses in trades like bricklaying and plumbing to make learners job-ready more quickly and ease entry into on-site roles.		Key gaps in construction training include the need for greater flexibility in using the apprenticeship levy, support for shorter and modular training, and ensuring college graduates have site access credentials. Employers support modularised courses in trades like bricklaying and plumbing to make learners job-ready more quickly and ease entry into on-site roles.

−	= Creative industries ~~skills needs assessment report~~ summary =	+	= Creative industries summary =

	The UK’s creative industries, contributing over £124 billion and employing 2.4 million people in 2023, are a major economic and cultural force. Growing faster than the national economy, they span sectors like advertising, architecture, crafts, design, film, music, video games, performing and visual arts. London leads in employment and output, though industries like video games are largely outside the capital.		The UK’s creative industries, contributing over £124 billion and employing 2.4 million people in 2023, are a major economic and cultural force. Growing faster than the national economy, they span sectors like advertising, architecture, crafts, design, film, music, video games, performing and visual arts. London leads in employment and output, though industries like video games are largely outside the capital.
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	Industry stakeholders highlight key priorities to improve creative sector training: enhancing technical and mid-career upskilling in green tech, digital skills, and AI; valuing practical and transferable skills; focusing on lifelong learning beyond entry-level; promoting flexible, modular learning combining theory and practice; strengthening education-industry partnerships; and ensuring training access for freelancers and SMEs.		Industry stakeholders highlight key priorities to improve creative sector training: enhancing technical and mid-career upskilling in green tech, digital skills, and AI; valuing practical and transferable skills; focusing on lifelong learning beyond entry-level; promoting flexible, modular learning combining theory and practice; strengthening education-industry partnerships; and ensuring training access for freelancers and SMEs.

−	= Digital and technologies ~~skills needs assessment report~~ summary =	+	= Digital and technologies summary =

	Advances in digital technologies are reshaping the economy and workforce skills. This briefing focuses on key occupations and skills in the digital and technologies sector, emphasizing future growth areas like AI and quantum computing. Definitions for Industrial Strategy sectors are evolving, with detailed analysis forthcoming in Sector Plans		Advances in digital technologies are reshaping the economy and workforce skills. This briefing focuses on key occupations and skills in the digital and technologies sector, emphasizing future growth areas like AI and quantum computing. Definitions for Industrial Strategy sectors are evolving, with detailed analysis forthcoming in Sector Plans
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	Skills England highlights the need for flexible, modular training and clear career pathways in the digital sector, especially for SMEs. Expanding further education supports upskilling amid limited workforce growth. Increasing AI apprenticeships for SMEs is vital to build technical skills and address recruitment challenges caused by high salary demands.		Skills England highlights the need for flexible, modular training and clear career pathways in the digital sector, especially for SMEs. Expanding further education supports upskilling amid limited workforce growth. Increasing AI apprenticeships for SMEs is vital to build technical skills and address recruitment challenges caused by high salary demands.

−	= Professional and business services ~~skills needs assessment report~~ summary =	+	= Professional and business services summary =

	The UK’s professional and business services (PBS) sector drives economic growth, contributing over 12% of GVA. It supports business expansion and innovation and employs 20% of graduates and 13% of apprentices in England. Spanning fields like accounting, legal services, and consultancy, PBS is key to future industrial strategy planning.		The UK’s professional and business services (PBS) sector drives economic growth, contributing over 12% of GVA. It supports business expansion and innovation and employs 20% of graduates and 13% of apprentices in England. Spanning fields like accounting, legal services, and consultancy, PBS is key to future industrial strategy planning.

Editor at 15:53, 3 June 2025

2025-06-03T15:53:18Z

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Editor at 15:47, 3 June 2025

2025-06-03T15:47:00Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:47, 3 June 2025
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	= Advanced manufacturing skills needs assessment report summary =		= Advanced manufacturing skills needs assessment report summary =

−	== Introduction and summary ==	+	=== Introduction and summary ===

	Manufacturing drives economic resilience and innovation across the UK, supporting many service sectors. Advanced Manufacturing (AM) integrates advanced science, digital, and automation technologies within production. While AM is a key focus, this briefing emphasises the broader manufacturing sector due to data availability. Industrial Strategy Sector Plans will soon provide detailed growth and skills analyses.		Manufacturing drives economic resilience and innovation across the UK, supporting many service sectors. Advanced Manufacturing (AM) integrates advanced science, digital, and automation technologies within production. While AM is a key focus, this briefing emphasises the broader manufacturing sector due to data availability. Industrial Strategy Sector Plans will soon provide detailed growth and skills analyses.

−	== Priority jobs , skills, feedback and trends ==	+	=== Priority jobs , skills, feedback and trends ===

	In 2024, manufacturing employed 2.6 million people (7% of total UK employment) and contributed £220 billion (9% of GDP). Roles range from lower-skilled assemblers to higher-skilled engineers and scientists. Workforce diversity is low, with 74% male and 88% white. The sector faces recruitment challenges worsened by a 47,000-worker shortfall post-EU exit. Manufacturing had 49,000 vacancies in 2022, with 42% classified as skill-shortage vacancies, up from 29% in 2017. High-demand roles include metal machinists, electricians, engineers, and carpenters.		In 2024, manufacturing employed 2.6 million people (7% of total UK employment) and contributed £220 billion (9% of GDP). Roles range from lower-skilled assemblers to higher-skilled engineers and scientists. Workforce diversity is low, with 74% male and 88% white. The sector faces recruitment challenges worsened by a 47,000-worker shortfall post-EU exit. Manufacturing had 49,000 vacancies in 2022, with 42% classified as skill-shortage vacancies, up from 29% in 2017. High-demand roles include metal machinists, electricians, engineers, and carpenters.
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	Future skills demand in manufacturing is driven by three key trends: automation, digitalisation, and environmental sustainability. Automation impacts jobs heavily, with 59% of manufacturers noting its influence, but 46% struggle with technical skill shortages to adopt it. Digitalisation requires enhanced digital skills, while 37% highlight green skills for sustainable production and innovation.		Future skills demand in manufacturing is driven by three key trends: automation, digitalisation, and environmental sustainability. Automation impacts jobs heavily, with 59% of manufacturers noting its influence, but 46% struggle with technical skill shortages to adopt it. Digitalisation requires enhanced digital skills, while 37% highlight green skills for sustainable production and innovation.

−	== Training routes and gaps in securing a future workforce ==	+	=== Training routes and gaps in securing a future workforce ===

	Apprenticeship starts in Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies in England declined from 49,060 in 2021/22 to 45,800 in 2023/24. Only 7% of science graduates joined manufacturing in 2020/21. Reskilling is vital but under provided—just 54% of employers offered training in 2022, averaging 2.5 days per employee. Manufacturing suffers from poor industry perception, limited school advocacy, and wage misconceptions, deterring new talent. Employers stress better collaboration between industry, education, and government, alongside increased investment in education and work experience, to improve outreach and attract young workers.		Apprenticeship starts in Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies in England declined from 49,060 in 2021/22 to 45,800 in 2023/24. Only 7% of science graduates joined manufacturing in 2020/21. Reskilling is vital but under provided—just 54% of employers offered training in 2022, averaging 2.5 days per employee. Manufacturing suffers from poor industry perception, limited school advocacy, and wage misconceptions, deterring new talent. Employers stress better collaboration between industry, education, and government, alongside increased investment in education and work experience, to improve outreach and attract young workers.

Editor at 15:44, 3 June 2025

2025-06-03T15:44:55Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:44, 3 June 2025
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	SMEs struggle with administrative burdens. Stakeholders call for shorter, flexible apprenticeships, AI and leadership add-ons, expanded bootcamps, and streamlined systems to boost workforce entry and adaptability. The 10 priority areas highlighted in the reports are listed with the 6 relating to the built environment decribed in brief in the following chapters.		SMEs struggle with administrative burdens. Stakeholders call for shorter, flexible apprenticeships, AI and leadership add-ons, expanded bootcamps, and streamlined systems to boost workforce entry and adaptability. The 10 priority areas highlighted in the reports are listed with the 6 relating to the built environment decribed in brief in the following chapters.
		+
		+	To read the full reports on each of the areas visit [https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/skills-england-skills-for-growth-and-opportunity Research and analysis. Skills England: Skills for growth and opportunity.]

	* Advanced manufacturing		* Advanced manufacturing
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	Skills England highlights the need for flexible, modular training and clear career pathways in the digital sector, especially for SMEs. Expanding further education supports upskilling amid limited workforce growth. Increasing AI apprenticeships for SMEs is vital to build technical skills and address recruitment challenges caused by high salary demands.		Skills England highlights the need for flexible, modular training and clear career pathways in the digital sector, especially for SMEs. Expanding further education supports upskilling amid limited workforce growth. Increasing AI apprenticeships for SMEs is vital to build technical skills and address recruitment challenges caused by high salary demands.
		+
		+	= Professional and business services skills needs assessment report summary =
		+
		+	== Introduction and summary ==
		+
		+	The UK’s professional and business services (PBS) sector drives economic growth, contributing over 12% of GVA. It supports business expansion and innovation and employs 20% of graduates and 13% of apprentices in England. Spanning fields like accounting, legal services, and consultancy, PBS is key to future industrial strategy planning.
		+
		+	== Priority jobs , skills, feedback and trends ==
		+
		+	By June 2024, the UK’s professional and business services (PBS) sector employed 5 million people (14% of all jobs), with strong growth in legal, consulting, and R&D. By 2035, nearly 3 million new employees will be needed, driven by automation, upskilling, and rising demand for high-level professional roles.
		+
		+	The PBS sector faces rising demand for hybrid roles blending tech, data, and industry expertise, especially in AI, software, and data science—roles hard to fill due to competition. Employers also cite gaps in communication and resilience skills. Regional inequalities persist, with London attracting top talent, straining other UK regions.
		+
		+	== Training routes and gaps in securing a future workforce ==
		+
		+	The PBS sector is highly skilled, with 58% of workers holding degrees and 84% qualified to Level 3 or above—both above national averages. Key roles require professional qualifications. Top graduate entry routes include business, law, and engineering. In 2021/22, over 40,000 PBS apprenticeships started, mainly in accountancy and legal roles.
		+
		+	Apprenticeships are highly valued in the PBS sector. Employers report they boost staff retention, support talent development for smaller and public sector employers, and produce well-rounded employees familiar with business practices. Apprenticeships also promote diversity and social justice in traditionally elitist areas of the sector.
		+
		+	PBS employers raised concerns about foundation apprenticeships not aligning with professional standards. They called for more flexibility in the apprenticeship levy to fund shorter, targeted upskilling courses—especially in digital, AI, and transferable skills. Other priorities include reducing bureaucracy, enabling short-term workers to train, and revisiting rigid entry/exit requirements.

	[[Category:Articles_needing_more_work]]		[[Category:Articles_needing_more_work]]

Editor at 15:37, 3 June 2025

2025-06-03T15:37:59Z

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−	On 2 June 2025 Skills England published the findings of its analysis and engagement with sectors on the growth and skills offer, and skills needs assessments for 10 priority sectors. The 10 priority areas highlighted in the reports are:	+	= Background and introduction =
		+
		+	On 2 June 2025 Skills England published the findings of its analysis and engagement with sectors on the growth and skills offer, and skills needs assessments for 10 priority sectors.
		+
		+	The first report Skills England:Sector evidence on the growth and skills offer, notes how Skills England’s analysis supports UK growth by aligning training with evolving skills needs. It highlights that employers find current apprenticeships too rigid and outdated for rapid tech changes.
		+
		+	SMEs struggle with administrative burdens. Stakeholders call for shorter, flexible apprenticeships, AI and leadership add-ons, expanded bootcamps, and streamlined systems to boost workforce entry and adaptability. The 10 priority areas highlighted in the reports are listed with the 6 relating to the built environment decribed in brief in the following chapters.

	* Advanced manufacturing		* Advanced manufacturing
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	* Life sciences		* Life sciences
	* Professional and business services		* Professional and business services
−
−	This analysis, led by Skills England, supports the UK Government’s five missions by assessing skills needs and aligning training with economic growth. The Growth and Skills Levy aids workforce development across sectors. Building on a 2024 report, it identifies apprenticeship gaps and improvements, covering employment growth, technology impacts, skills shortages, inequalities, and upskilling through flexible, responsive training models.The summary of findings show that employers report that apprenticeship standards lag behind rapid technological changes and need updating to reflect new processes. Training content and delivery are often too rigid, limiting flexibility in duration and off-site learning. SMEs face extra challenges due to administrative burdens, making it hard for them to engage with longer apprenticeship programs.
−
−	Employers want broader training options that ease workforce entry and build transferable skills. They support shorter apprenticeships under 12 months, especially for learners with prior experience. Key requests include more responsive training to tech changes, “bolt-on” courses in AI and leadership, expansion of accelerated programs like Skills Bootcamps, and simplified apprenticeship administration. Below three of the reports are described in brief

	= Advanced manufacturing skills needs assessment report summary =		= Advanced manufacturing skills needs assessment report summary =

Editor at 15:25, 3 June 2025

2025-06-03T15:25:25Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:25, 3 June 2025
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	The creative industries are evolving rapidly with technological convergence, creating demand for "fusion" or "createch" skills that combine tech expertise (AI literacy, digital analytics) with creativity and problem-solving. About 69% of creative employers expect their workforce to upgrade skills due to new technologies and innovation.		The creative industries are evolving rapidly with technological convergence, creating demand for "fusion" or "createch" skills that combine tech expertise (AI literacy, digital analytics) with creativity and problem-solving. About 69% of creative employers expect their workforce to upgrade skills due to new technologies and innovation.

−	== ~~Priority jobs , skills, feedback~~ and ~~trends~~ ==	+	== Training routes and gaps in securing a future workforce ==

	Young people face major barriers entering creative careers due to poor career guidance, limited advisor resources, and weak industry links—especially in screen industries. Apprenticeships are underutilized (2.1% starts despite 7% workforce share) due to high costs, inflexible formats, and scarce training providers. The sector relies heavily on higher education, with 69% holding degrees.		Young people face major barriers entering creative careers due to poor career guidance, limited advisor resources, and weak industry links—especially in screen industries. Apprenticeships are underutilized (2.1% starts despite 7% workforce share) due to high costs, inflexible formats, and scarce training providers. The sector relies heavily on higher education, with 69% holding degrees.
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	Industry stakeholders highlight key priorities to improve creative sector training: enhancing technical and mid-career upskilling in green tech, digital skills, and AI; valuing practical and transferable skills; focusing on lifelong learning beyond entry-level; promoting flexible, modular learning combining theory and practice; strengthening education-industry partnerships; and ensuring training access for freelancers and SMEs.		Industry stakeholders highlight key priorities to improve creative sector training: enhancing technical and mid-career upskilling in green tech, digital skills, and AI; valuing practical and transferable skills; focusing on lifelong learning beyond entry-level; promoting flexible, modular learning combining theory and practice; strengthening education-industry partnerships; and ensuring training access for freelancers and SMEs.
		+
		+	= Digital and technologies skills needs assessment report summary =
		+
		+	== Introduction and summary ==
		+
		+	Advances in digital technologies are reshaping the economy and workforce skills. This briefing focuses on key occupations and skills in the digital and technologies sector, emphasizing future growth areas like AI and quantum computing. Definitions for Industrial Strategy sectors are evolving, with detailed analysis forthcoming in Sector Plans
		+
		+	== Priority jobs , skills, feedback and trends ==
		+
		+	As of June 2024, about 4 million people work in digital and tech-related jobs, expected to grow by 10% (380,000) by 2035. High skill shortages exist in roles like telecom engineers (75%) and development engineers (58%). Basic digital skills gaps affect 7.3 million adults, with emerging roles in AI leadership and data architecture adding to demand. Competitive salaries will be key to attracting talent amid this shortage.
		+
		+	Women comprise just 25% of digital roles and 23% in critical tech, with high early attrition. Ethnic minorities make up 18% of the digital workforce, slightly above the national average. Lower socioeconomic groups are vastly under represented at 9%. These disparities highlight urgent needs for targeted diversity and inclusion initiatives.
		+
		+	== Training routes and gaps in securing a future workforce ==
		+
		+	Critical tech roles mainly require higher education (61%), with apprenticeships covering 13%. Digital T Levels and Higher Technical Qualifications offer alternative pathways. Skills Bootcamps, focused on digital skills, accounted for 61% of 2022/23 starts, supporting flexible, accelerated training to meet growing workforce demands in AI, quantum, and related fields.
		+
		+	Apprenticeships are vital for addressing digital sector skills gaps, but flexibility is key. Most employers are small businesses (99%) lacking resources for long apprenticeships, preferring shorter, adaptable courses. Employers call for better alignment between sector needs and government support to balance youth employment, diversity, career shifts, and social justice goals.
		+
		+	Skills England highlights the need for flexible, modular training and clear career pathways in the digital sector, especially for SMEs. Expanding further education supports upskilling amid limited workforce growth. Increasing AI apprenticeships for SMEs is vital to build technical skills and address recruitment challenges caused by high salary demands.

	[[Category:Articles_needing_more_work]]		[[Category:Articles_needing_more_work]]

Editor at 15:17, 3 June 2025

2025-06-03T15:17:37Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:17, 3 June 2025
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	Key gaps in construction training include the need for greater flexibility in using the apprenticeship levy, support for shorter and modular training, and ensuring college graduates have site access credentials. Employers support modularised courses in trades like bricklaying and plumbing to make learners job-ready more quickly and ease entry into on-site roles.		Key gaps in construction training include the need for greater flexibility in using the apprenticeship levy, support for shorter and modular training, and ensuring college graduates have site access credentials. Employers support modularised courses in trades like bricklaying and plumbing to make learners job-ready more quickly and ease entry into on-site roles.
		+
		+	= Creative industries skills needs assessment report summary =
		+
		+	== Introduction and summary ==
		+
		+	The UK’s creative industries, contributing over £124 billion and employing 2.4 million people in 2023, are a major economic and cultural force. Growing faster than the national economy, they span sectors like advertising, architecture, crafts, design, film, music, video games, performing and visual arts. London leads in employment and output, though industries like video games are largely outside the capital.
		+
		+	== Priority jobs , skills, feedback and trends ==
		+
		+	The UK creative industries face significant skills shortages, with 33% of vacancies due to skill gaps, especially in professional roles (41%). Key shortages include soft skills (e.g., presentations, problem-solving), technical skills, and advanced IT skills like graphic design and app development. Informal hiring and project-based work may mask true demand, suggesting policy should focus on coordination and skill mismatches as well as shortages.
		+
		+	The creative industries are evolving rapidly with technological convergence, creating demand for "fusion" or "createch" skills that combine tech expertise (AI literacy, digital analytics) with creativity and problem-solving. About 69% of creative employers expect their workforce to upgrade skills due to new technologies and innovation.
		+
		+	== Priority jobs , skills, feedback and trends ==
		+
		+	Young people face major barriers entering creative careers due to poor career guidance, limited advisor resources, and weak industry links—especially in screen industries. Apprenticeships are underutilized (2.1% starts despite 7% workforce share) due to high costs, inflexible formats, and scarce training providers. The sector relies heavily on higher education, with 69% holding degrees.
		+
		+	The creative industries’ workforce development faces key challenges beyond skills gaps, including financial instability, poor workplace conditions, systemic barriers for freelancers, gender imbalance (62% male), and low social mobility. Many freelancers struggle with insecure income and long hours, while low employer investment in training hampers talent retention and growth.
		+
		+	Industry stakeholders highlight key priorities to improve creative sector training: enhancing technical and mid-career upskilling in green tech, digital skills, and AI; valuing practical and transferable skills; focusing on lifelong learning beyond entry-level; promoting flexible, modular learning combining theory and practice; strengthening education-industry partnerships; and ensuring training access for freelancers and SMEs.

	[[Category:Articles_needing_more_work]]		[[Category:Articles_needing_more_work]]