By Duncan Newman, Economic Development Officer
Across South East Dorset there is an acute skills gap in the Advanced Engineering and Manufacturing sector and I am working with businesses in this sector to bridge this gap, ensuring existing employees are supported and appropriately trained and potential new recruits are encouraged to study Engineering and apply for jobs locally.
Every two months I meet with members of the Technical Skills Development Group (TSDG) which includes representatives from businesses in the Engineering sector across Christchurch and East Dorset. Together we consider and then implement ways in which employers can bridge the skills gap.
Peter Burden, Chair of the TSDG and CEO of KDC Group, is all too familiar with the need to plan and prepare the Engineering sector for the future. An experienced professional in the Aerospace and Defence Engineering sector, Peter shared some of his insights into the importance of investing in staff development to ensure the sector has a workforce equipped for success in the future.
Q: Peter, why do you think it is important to offer a localised training programme for the Advanced Engineering and Manufacturing Sector?
A: We know from our own experience, that employees working in the South are travelling a considerable number of miles to attend training courses for the Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering sector. This results in employees having to take time off for travel as well as the training course. Sometimes, the distance is so great that it necessary for employees to stay at the location overnight which incurs further costs. Delivering courses locally cuts down on travel time and the costs.
Q: And of course, engineering businesses can book places on the local courses at a discounted cost.
A: Yes, the courses are offered at a reduced cost which saves businesses even more money so for a relatively low investment, businesses can benefit from a more cost effective, long term gain.
Q: How can businesses in the Engineering sector find out more about the courses on offer on the TSDG Training Programme?
A: New courses are promoted in the Christchurch and East Dorset Councils Economic Development Team Going for Growth newsletter and social media pages and new courses will be advertised over the coming weeks and months.
Q: What other initiatives are the TSDG currently discussing?
A: There are always quite a few topics of discussion at our meetings but one of the main areas we’re looking at is best practice for work experience placements. Work experience is a great way to introduce the Engineering sector to students but it’s essential for employers to ensure students have a positive experience and are able to make informed decisions about their future careers.
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