Research underway in Mid Ulster to identify gaps in workforce skills

by Gráinne Connolly

Research is being carried out in Mid Ulster to identify gaps in workforce skills which the local economy needs to ensure growth. 

It's industry led and has been commissioned by the new Mid Ulster Skills Forum, a partnership body which has emerged as a result of the regions new Community plan. 

The forum is made up of representatives of local businesses, colleges, universities, key sectoral business organisations and Mid Ulster District Council. 

The first step to the development of a Skills Gap Action Plan, is an online survey which has been launched and is open to any Mid Ulster business, regardless of size or sector. 

Chair of Mid Ulster District Council's Development Committee, Councillor Trevor Wilson has welcomed the start of the project:

“Mid Ulster is the most entrepreneurial region in Northern Ireland and has the largest business base outside of Belfast Metropolitan Area, so it is crucial to our future economic growth that businesses of all sizes, from small and medium sized enterprises to global companies, can draw on a high performing appropriately and adequately equipped pool of employees.

“This survey is the first step on the road to ensuring Mid Ulster is positioned to meet future skills requirements”.

Alan McKeown is the Supply Chain Director with Dunbia Dungannon and a member of the Mid Ulster Skills Forum. 

He is encouraging local businesses to take part in the survey:

 “This is the business community’s opportunity to provide their views on existing and future employability issues, and qualifications and skills shortages which are faced by them.

“Ultimately the results, our action plans and their outcomes will to benefit our competitiveness, our ability to sustain and increase employment, and our economy’s success.

“I would urge colleagues in all businesses to spend 10 short minutes feeding into what is a most significant piece of locally-focussed economic research”.

To access the survey, visit: www.midulstercouncil.org/skillsgap

The closing date for completed surveys is Thursday 28th September 2017.