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.
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Owning a Business: An introduction to what you need to know
Owning a business comes with much responsibility and red tape. This workshop offers an insight into what these are, and how you can best deal with them to avoid getting into trouble. This workshop is aimed mainly at the owners of Limited Companies, but much of the content is relevant to other business formats too.
Events
05th February 202510:00 am - 11:30 amFREE
Social Enterprise Support – Kick Off Session
Join us on Wed 5th Feb to explore your social entrepreneur ambitions. We will talk you through the different elements of this support programme, including free workshops, network sessions, peer support and chance to apply for £500 seed funding. Meet the team and hear from fellow entrepreneurs.
11th February 202510:00 am - 11:30 amFREE
Online Workshop: Getting Started with your Social Enterprise
As part of our Programme of Support for Social Enterprises, this workshop is designed to help anybody interested in starting a social enterprise. Do you have an idea for a business which reinvests profit back into the community? Join us in this session to make it a reality.
12th February 20259:30 am - 4:30 pmFREE
February: Harrogate Sales Masterclass – REACH
Elevate your sales skills with the REACH programme, a two-day workshop designed to boost your sales knowledge, hit rate, and confidence. Perfect for all experience levels, REACH helps you build relationships, establish trust, and close deals effectively. Join us to unlock your sales potential!
Resources
Webinar: Owning a Business: an introduction to what you need to know
Owning a business comes with much responsibility and red tape. This workshop offers an insight into what these are and how you can best deal with them to avoid getting into trouble. This workshop is mostly aimed at the owners of Limited Companies, but much of the content is also relevant to other business formats too.
Webinar Recording: Getting started on TikTok
As part of a six-part social media webinar series delivered by Caroline Wilson of Hot Toddi, this webinar looks at getting started on TikTok for your business.
Webinar Recording: Bookkeeping for Business Owners
Are you looking to learn the basics of bookkeeping for your business? Discover how bookkeeping has evolved, the benefits of cloud-based tools, and the essentials of VAT. Learn key processes to get it right the first time and streamline your finances.