Critical skills for tomorrow - Institute of Directors

Our future. It's in our hands.

The skills gap is everyone's problem. It affects employees, denying them the chance of progression through their careers. It affects the economy as

a whole and curtails growth in vital sectors such as information technology,

engineering and construction. Most of all, it affects UK businesses, small and

large. It is estimated that even for businesses with less than 50 employees,

skills gaps can cost up to 160,000 annually. Across the UK economy

the cost of poor numeracy and literacy levels is estimated at 4.8bn.

Nurturing talent and raising skill levels within your organisation is one of

the most important investments you will ever make. The Learning and

Skills Council's Train to Gain service is one measure designed to help

you do just that. It provides businesses with a single source of training

advice - tailored to their specific business needs.

This guide offers practical advice for employers to tackle the skills

challenge. It includes tips for businesses of every shape and size, details

about the Train to Gain service and advice on how Apprenticeships can

be so effective in raising skills, motivation and staff retention.

It also offers information and advice on how to:

Develop a skills strategy

Make the Skills Pledge

Measure the return on investment in training

Foster a culture of innovation

This guide is part of the Director's Guide series,

published by the Institute of Directors, which gives

UK directors clear, practical advice on key business

issues, with real life case studies.