Business News
Market Research Highlights the Importance of Training in Reacting to the Recession & Future Competitiveness
Monday 19. October 2009 - Investment in training is still on the agenda amongst employers in the Print & Paper Industries, and training continues to be seen as important to business despite the recession, according to a survey commissioned by Proskills, the Sector Skills Council for the Process & Manufacturing sector earlier this year.
Despite the tough economic conditions, 39% of print companies and 62% of paper companies interviewed reported a continuing investment in the training and skills of their workforce during the past 12 months. However, 14% of print companies and 15% of paper companies are still suffering from skills gaps, while 80% of these employers said that these gaps are having a negative impact on their business, most notably through increased operating costs and workloads.
More than 25% of print companies and 12% of paper companies are aware of the need to increase their workforce skills over the next three years with 12% of print employers and 10% of paper employers indicating an intention to increase their training commitment over the coming 12 months, through the recruitment of apprentices and trainees, the use of external training providers and introducing more qualifications-led training for employees.
Commenting on the findings of the research, Terry Watts, Chief Executive of Proskills said, “Its fair to say that our sector has been hit hard by the recession, and this has affected the level of investment that companies have been able to make in the training and development of their staff over the past year.”
He continued, “Despite these challenges however, the overall results of our research have been encouraging. Training has continued through the recession, albeit at a low rate, and there is a positive indication of increased commitment to training over the coming months as companies recognise that skills gaps do still exist in their workforce, and are having an adverse affect on business. “
The survey also outlined how companies in the Proskills footprint are taking a flexible, forward thinking approach to tackling the challenges of the economic downturn, by exploring different markets, developing new products, investing in updated machinery and technologies and reviewing opportunities to reduce production costs.
Richard Moore, the Print and Paper Industry Lead at Proskills added, “The key factors currently affecting businesses in our industry are changing customer demands, rising energy costs, a lack of demand for product, the unavailability of credit and competition from overseas. It is vital to have skilled workers who can adapt to the demands of an industry that is constantly challenged by changing consumer preferences and new technologies. Investing in training can help companies through the recession by increasing productivity, reducing operating costs and improving staff morale. It can also aid the research and development of new products and service offerings to help gain competitive advantage in the global market.”
The importance of nationally recognised qualifications was also highlighted in the research results. Over three quarters of companies that use qualifications said that they add value to their training with benefits to both the employee and employer, regardless whether this training was delivered internally, on the job or via external providers.
Richard commented, “Whilst we are delighted that training is still taking place in the industry through the recession, much of it is being undertaken internally and informally and is not officially recognised. The benefits of using qualifications are clearly shown through the results of this survey, and Proskills will continue to work to help companies discover which qualifications can meet their training needs.”
Terry added, “To continue successfully representing the Print & Paper industries, it is vital that we fully understand the skills-related issues affecting our sector. This survey will help us to continue lobbying government, shaping our offerings and providing the support businesses need to address their specific skills requirements and training needs. It has also reinforced the message that companies who invest in skills training are more likely to increase their competitive advantage and their ability to react in difficult times”