Training still on agenda despite recession
DESPITE the recession, investment in training is still very much on the agendas of most employers in the extractives and mineral processing industries, according to a survey commissioned by Proskills.
Around 66% of companies interviewed as part of the study reported continuing investment in the training and skills of their workforce during the past 12 months. However, 8% of businesses in the industry are still suffering from skills shortages, while 80% of employers said that these gaps are having a negative impact on their business, most notably through increased operating costs and workloads.
The study also found that 11% of respondents intend to strengthen their training commitment over the next 12 months by recruiting apprentices and trainees, using external training providers and introducing more qualifications-led training for employees.
Commenting on the research findings, Terry Watts, chief executive of Proskills, said: ‘It’s fair to say that our sector has been hit hard by the recession and this has affected the level of investment that companies have been able to make in the training and development of their staff over the past year.
‘Despite these challenges, the overall results of our research have been encouraging. Training has continued through the recession, albeit at a lower rate than normal, and there is a positive indication of increased commitment to training over the coming months, as companies recognize that skills gaps do still exist in their workforce and are having an adverse effect on business.’
In addition, the survey outlined how companies are taking a flexible, forward-thinking approach to tackling the challenges of the economic downturn by exploring different markets, developing new products, investing in the latest machinery and technologies, and reviewing opportunities to reduce production costs.
The importance of nationally recognized qualifications was also highlighted in the study. Over 75% of companies that use qualifications said that they add value to their training with benefits to both the employee and employer, regardless of whether the training was delivered internally, on the job or via external providers.
Jonathan Ledger, extractives and mineral processing industry lead at Proskills, commented: ‘We are delighted that training is taking place in the industry through the recession. The benefits of using qualifications are clearly shown through the results of this survey, and Proskills will continue to help companies discover which qualifications can meet their training needs.’
Around 66% of companies interviewed as part of the study reported continuing investment in the training and skills of their workforce during the past 12 months. However, 8% of businesses in the industry are still suffering from skills shortages, while 80% of employers said that these gaps are having a negative impact on their business, most notably through increased operating costs and workloads.
The study also found that 11% of respondents intend to strengthen their training commitment over the next 12 months by recruiting apprentices and trainees, using external training providers and introducing more qualifications-led training for employees.
Commenting on the research findings, Terry Watts, chief executive of Proskills, said: ‘It’s fair to say that our sector has been hit hard by the recession and this has affected the level of investment that companies have been able to make in the training and development of their staff over the past year.
‘Despite these challenges, the overall results of our research have been encouraging. Training has continued through the recession, albeit at a lower rate than normal, and there is a positive indication of increased commitment to training over the coming months, as companies recognize that skills gaps do still exist in their workforce and are having an adverse effect on business.’
In addition, the survey outlined how companies are taking a flexible, forward-thinking approach to tackling the challenges of the economic downturn by exploring different markets, developing new products, investing in the latest machinery and technologies, and reviewing opportunities to reduce production costs.
The importance of nationally recognized qualifications was also highlighted in the study. Over 75% of companies that use qualifications said that they add value to their training with benefits to both the employee and employer, regardless of whether the training was delivered internally, on the job or via external providers.
Jonathan Ledger, extractives and mineral processing industry lead at Proskills, commented: ‘We are delighted that training is taking place in the industry through the recession. The benefits of using qualifications are clearly shown through the results of this survey, and Proskills will continue to help companies discover which qualifications can meet their training needs.’
