
Retaining and Upskilling Your Workforce
It is forecast that by 2030, five million workers could become acutely under-skilled in basic digital skills
Local employers are reporting widespread skill shortages in sectors such as digital, manufacturing, engineering, construction and health care.
Around two-thirds of our employers are experiencing significant gaps in the transferable skills of their staff including communication and problem solving as well as leadership and management skills.
All these skills shortages can negatively impact on business performance and growth. However, over a third of local employers also acknowledge that they under-invest in training. Across York & North Yorkshire we have projects that can support your business to assess your training needs and get support to invest in your workforce and assist with retaining valuable employees.
Why should you invest in your workforce?
Strong leadership and management is vital in generating good workplaces that make staff feel supported and valued.
Training leaders and managers can result in improved communication, goal setting, teamwork and collaboration as well as happier and more productive teams and customers.
You can save money by increasing the abilities of your current employees, instead of spending time and budget on employing new workers.
It helps your business stay more competitive by covering all skills needs.
What are you interested in?



Workforce skills.
A variety of learning and development opportunities for all aspects of your workforce needs; whether looking at your business processes around HR and strategic planning, thinking about moving into international markets, or developing your employees and colleagues with their transferrable, digital or sales skills.
For more information, click here.
National programmes.
There are a selection of nationwide programmes that offer alternative pathways to upskill and reskill your teams. Businesses can receive grants to take on employees under certain schemes, such as Apprenticeships, Bootcamps, Traineeships and T Levels.
For more information, click here.
Leadership and management.
Transform your business with leadership training that focuses on inclusivity. Create positive workplace cultures with shared values that offer opportunities for employees to grow. Practical training on HR processes can help embed systems and processes that support your team and increase their capacity and productivity. Bespoke business consultancy can provide a broad range of solutions to your skills and training challenges.
Click here for more information on our full and part funded projects.
Want to know more?
On the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development’s (CIPD) website, you can find their People Skills Hub, which includes employer resources for people management, HR, and support for leaders and managers.
If what you need isn’t covered by the categories above, just get in touch and we’ll connect you to the expertise and resources you need.
Articles
Steps into Digital Program: Expression of Interest
The Steps into Digital Program is launching soon, register your interest using the form below to stay updated with key details and expected launch dates. The SPF funded digital program focusses on strategic, guided steps toward adopting the right digital tools and practices for your business. Emphasising a supportive, paced approach to digital transformation, the program is accessible and manageable to all at any level.
Work with the Growth Hub: LEAD and Steps Into Digital Programmes
The Growth Hub are now planning our programmes of support for local businesses for the year, and are again looking to work with expert providers to deliver this support. These programmes are funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) Two opportunities to work with the Growth Hub are now being launched:
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Events
29th April 202510:00 am - 11:00 amFREE
Navigating Global Markets: Strategies for negotiating contracts when selling overseas
What’s the key to excellent contract negotiation when you’re securing that new international deal? Getting it right can make or break your market success, so join us for this webinar, in partnership with Santander UK, where we’ll share top tips to help you negotiate new overseas contracts with confidence.
07th May 20259:30 am - 11:30 amFREE
HARROGATE: Growth Hub Roadshow
Join us for this unique opportunity to see the available support in action and connect with like-minded individuals in your area.
07th May 202512:00 pm - 3:00 pmFREE
York Retrofit Network
This is the seventh meeting of the York Retrofit Network, which is part of a wider project supported by Innovate UK to create a Retrofit One-Stop-Shop for York. The meetings will occur roughly every two months.
Resources
Featured Webinar Playlist: Getting Started with Social Media
Don't know where to start with social media? Feeling like you might be missing something? Get instant access to the six-part webinar series delivered by Caroline Wilson of Hot Toddi.
Business Basics Series: Webinar Recordings & Blogs
Delivered by Jo Tomlinson of Business Works UK, these resources provide a guide to key subjects such as bookkeeping, pricing, VAT, company structure, and the responsibilities associated with owning a business.
Featured Webinar Playlist: Making Values Pay
Each session is designed to provide practical insights and actionable takeaways whether you’re looking to strengthen your procurement strategy, enhance your marketing, or boost employee engagement.