Press Release
1st August 2012
Survey aims to fill employment skills gap
In the current economic climate it is important that Shetland's private sector has the best possible opportunity to grow and generate new jobs. But in order to do so, businesses need staff with the appropriate skills.
A recent survey by the Shetland Islands Council’s Economic Development Service found that 23% of local organisations agreed that sourcing suitably skilled staff was a problem.
The Service is now encouraging local businesses and organisations to take part in its new Skills and Training Survey, which aims to match the skills gap with appropriate training.
Researcher for Economic Development, Leah Irvine, commented: “Last year’s survey found that one in five employers struggle to recruit due to a lack of skills available locally. It is, therefore, critical that we get a large number of employers participating in the study to identify the specific issues relating to skills in this area.”
The survey can be completed online. Paper copies can be provided by calling the Economic Development Service on 01595 744911.
All responses will be treated in confidence.
The survey closes on Wed 22nd of August 2012.