Taking on the skills agenda

Professor Frank Peck of the University of Cumbria’s Centre for Regional Economic Development writes for in-Cumbria on the big issues of the day and the economic data behind them. This month, he focuses on high-level skills in the county. The challenge of Brexit and the uncertainties generated by the process of negotiation remain high on the policy agenda and continue to attract attention in the media. The outcome of this process is clearly critical for the future direction of the UK economy affecting investment, technology, skills, labour supply and, critically, the sustainability of supply chains and markets for business. Even so, preoccupation with Brexit can have negative consequences – distracting attention away from aspects of the economy that could, in the longer term, contribute towards providing solutions to some of the challenges created by Brexit. One of these is the skills agenda. Even prior to Brexit, employer surveys in the UK highlighted the need for employees to possess good knowledge of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM). But employers have also noted the need for improvements in social and “work-enabling” skills. The concept of STEM Plus evolved to capture this idea – many workplaces need workers with high-level technical and scientific skills but also a range of capabilities that make individuals effective in work environments. These include skills in communication, leadership, teamworking, project management and awareness of how the role of individuals fit within an organization and how their roles contribute to the whole enterprise. It also places a premium on knowledge of management and understanding of business and enterprise