On November 6, industry leaders, service providers, and stakeholders gathered at the Digital Skills Hub for an insightful morning session focused on Dorset’s labour market. Rebecca Davies, Head of Enterprise, Skills & Industry at Dorset LEP, led the presentation, offering a comprehensive overview of regional employment trends, challenges, and opportunities.
Below are some of the key talking points and insights from Rebecca's presentation.
1. Current Labour Market Trends in Dorset
Despite the ongoing national and global uncertainties, Dorset’s job market shows resilience. Key takeaways included:
- Industry-Specific Growth: Sectors such as technology, healthcare, and green energy are rapidly expanding in Dorset, with increasing demand for skilled workers.
- Remote Work Trends: As remote and hybrid work options become mainstream, many Dorset businesses are adapting to this shift, broadening recruitment to attract talent beyond traditional local candidates.
2. The Skills Gap in Dorset
The skills gap impacts both employers and job seekers in the region. Key highlights on this topic were:
- Technical Skills Shortage: There’s a pressing need for digital skills, particularly in data analysis, cybersecurity, and software development.
- Soft Skills Demand: Employers are also emphasising soft skills like adaptability, problem-solving, and communication, which are essential for navigating dynamic work environments.
- Collaboration with Educational Institutions: Dorset LEP is actively collaborating with local colleges, universities, and training providers to align curricula with employer needs, addressing these skill shortages.
3. Opportunities for Young People and Career Changers
It's vital for the region to create career pathways for younger residents and those looking to transition into new fields. Key strategies include:
- Apprenticeships and Vocational Training: More local businesses are investing in apprenticeships and on-the-job training programs to cultivate talent from within the community.
- STEM Initiatives: Encouraging STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education and careers among young people is a primary focus, aiming to build a future-ready workforce.
- Retraining Programmes for Career Changers: Programmes are being introduced to support career changes, with a focus on digital and technical up-skilling for those looking to enter in-demand fields.
4. Economic Challenges and Regional Resilience
Acknowledging broader economic concerns, Rebecca shared insights on how Dorset is adapting to challenges such as inflation, supply chain disruptions, and talent shortages. Points included:
- Support for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs): Recognising that SMEs are the backbone of Dorset’s economy, the LEP is supporting businesses in accessing funding, resources, and networking opportunities.
- Innovation as a Growth Driver: Investment in innovation, particularly in digital and green technologies, is seen as a key driver for regional growth, enhancing Dorset’s competitiveness on a national and global scale.
5. Looking to the Future: Key Initiatives by Dorset LEP
To conclude, Rebecca highlighted future-focused initiatives that Dorset LEP is spearheading to strengthen the local labour market:
- Digital Skills and Inclusion: Expanding access to digital skills training for residents across all age groups, with an emphasis on inclusivity and diversity.
- Partnerships with Industry Leaders: Collaborating with top regional employers and industry leaders to build a workforce development strategy that addresses both current and anticipated skills demands.
- Supporting a Green Economy Transition: Aligning with sustainability goals, the LEP is focusing on green economy initiatives that create jobs while addressing environmental needs.
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