Skills England will help to combat growing skills shortages and drive economic growth, says NCUB

NCUB welcomes the launch of Skills England today, and we celebrate having a dedicated organisation focused on improving the skills needs of the UK economy. As highlighted by the Prime Minister, the skills system in England needs transforming.

Dr Joe Marshall, Chief Executive of the National Centre for Universities and Business (NCUB), said: “It’s no secret that the UK is facing a severe and acute skills crisis. Between 2017 and 2022 skills shortages in the nation doubled to more than half a million, and now account for 36% of job vacancies. What’s more worrying still is that businesses face barriers to upskilling their staff and accessing new talent. The new Government has wasted no time in taking action. We warmly welcome that Skills England, which will bring together business and training providers, is being launched today.”

Marshall concluded: “A strong education system, matched to the talent needs of employers is what underpins a productive economy and drives opportunity. The collaborative nature of Skills England that has partnerships with employers at its heart, is particularly welcome.  Businesses, as both customers of talent and drivers of evolving skill needs, must be central to this transformation.”