Questions are being raised across a wide range of sectors about employer's commitment to training and their willingness to invest in the vital tool of staff development.

At a recent Workforce Development Forum Meeting, members heard a presentation from People 1st, the Sector Skills body for hospitality, leisure travel and tourism. Janice Tracey who sits on the Forum representing Chamber of Commerce members commented. "Key facts highlighted by People 1st are that the sector is made up of 14 industries and in Northern Ireland employs a workforce of 42,980 across 4,913 establishments. Even more pertinent is the fact that 77% employ less than 10 people." She continued "This is a diverse and challenging industry, but one which holds considerable scope for growth." Issam Horshi, a local Hotelier who is the President of the Northern Ireland Hotel Federation invited People 1st to the Forum. He commented, "There are enormous challenges in relation to skills and workforce development in this sector, and I felt it extremely important that the Forum understand the sector and its needs before trying to help."

However one question that dominates any debate on skills needs and workforce development is: Are employers committed to training and development and if so why aren't more of them engaged in training? In this sector, a Northern Ireland wide survey by People 1st indicates that a third of employers are NOT training, a quarter of employers say nothing will get them to train and yet 58% believe that training can increase performance.

Discussion at the Workforce Development Forum this month suggests that this may also be the case across a number of our important industry sectors in the North West. The NW Regional College indicate that the problem is not with supply and there is availability of a wide range of training courses available or could be made available if there was a demand. Are employers just not interested or are the courses not suitable. Is it cost, length of courses, confusion over the myriad of qualifications or poor planning? Janice Tracey suggests that much more needs to be done to engage with employers and more importantly to support the small employer with the cost of workforce development. She said "Most of our employers in the NW are very small and often micro businesses and whilst training is important, keeping the business going is more of a priority. It may seem short-sighted but in this challenging economic environment this is often the reality." She added, "Many members report that they are disappointed when they employ qualified people who don't seem to have the requisite skills."

John Spangler, Chair of the NW Workforce Development Forum said "This is an issue which must be addressed if the NW is to move forward with a workforce that is fit for purpose. The people of the NW, both those in employment and those seeking employment now and in the future, need to be sure that the training they are receiving meets the needs of employers and also that their current and future employers are fully committed to a process of ongoing learning." The Forum has asked the Chamber of Commerce to host a series of sectoral meetings with NW employers to ascertain what the issues are in each sector and what needs to put in place to ensure more uptake on the demand side of the equation. John Spangler said "This is an extremely important process and I would urge employers to contact the Chamber if they have any comments on their particular sector."

Janice Tracey, Chamber CEO concluded, "We will be targeting the Hospitality and Tourism sector and the ICT sector over the next 4 weeks. Any employer in these sectors interested in attending should contact Helena @02871262379".

PRESS RELEASE

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Date: 8th February 2008

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