Report finds lack of confidence in government support for skills

The latest In-Comm Training Barometer, compiled from the opinions of 103 managing directors and HR leads, reveals industry confusion when it comes to understanding what Labour is doing to bridge the gap.

Over three quarters (78 per cent) of firms questioned believe that there is not enough support available to boost their training fortunes (up six per cent on 2024), whilst 61 per cent do not understand what Skills England has been set up to do.

“I think the devil is going to be in the detail and Labour needs to quickly communicate how it is changing apprenticeships and training support,” Gareth Jones, managing director of In-Comm Training said in a statement.

“The issue it faces comes from a lack of standardisation in the skills system through many different governments, regardless of colour. This has created confusion, distrust and a lack of understanding and engagement.”

He continued: “Our firms, who have been battered by inflation, rising energy costs and the impending minimum wage and NIC increases, are struggling to look past the headlines and currently have little confidence that the government is going to be a positive influence in helping it bridge the skills gap.