Dr Deirdre Hughes, OBE
Director, dmh associates and Associate Professor at the University of Warwick, Institute for Employment Research (IER)
Read this article by Dr Deirdre Hughes to find out why you should Have Your Say! in the co-design of this new vision and careers framework for County Durham.
County Durham is on the cusp of a transformative opportunity, where local employers can play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our workforce. The development of a new All-Age Careers Framework, commissioned by Durham County Council, aims to align education with the needs of local businesses, ensuring our economy has the skills and knowledge required to thrive in a rapidly changing economy. By participating in our online survey, you can significantly contribute to initiative, designed to help boost local employment and support sustainable economic and social growth across the county.
Why Your Voice Matters
As an employer, you understand the skills, attitudes, and qualities that are crucial for success in your industry. Whether you run a large enterprise or a small business, your insights are invaluable in creating a framework that inspires individuals to participate in learning and work. The All-Age Careers Framework is being co-designed to be responsive to the needs of employers like you, ensuring that education and training systems produce candidates who are not just employable but well-prepared to contribute meaningfully to your organisation from day one.
Without input from local employers, there is a risk that the careers framework may not fully align with the specific needs of County Durham’s economy. This could result in a mismatch between the skills taught in schools, colleges, and training programs, and those needed in the workplace, leading to challenges in recruitment, higher training costs, and ultimately, slower economic growth.
Boosting Local Employment
Your participation in our survey has the potential to reduce the skills gap that many industries currently face. By shaping the All-Age Careers Framework, you can help ensure that educational institutions focus on in-demand skills. This benefits your business by providing a pool of qualified candidates while strengthening the local economy by reducing unemployment and underemployment.
When local businesses can easily find employees with the right skills, they can operate more efficiently and expand faster, creating more job opportunities and fostering a cycle of growth. Additionally, a well-aligned careers framework supports individuals at all stages of their careers, from young people entering the workforce to adults seeking to upskill or change careers. This inclusivity is key to building a resilient local economy capable of adapting to economic shifts and technological changes.
Supporting Sustainable Economic Growth
Sustainable economic growth involves more than just creating jobs—it’s about creating the right kinds of jobs, offering stability, opportunities for advancement, and the potential for innovation. By contributing to the All-Age Careers Framework, you can help shape a workforce that meets today’s needs while driving future growth.
County Durham boasts a rich history of industrial innovation and a strong community spirit. However, like many regions, it faces challenges in adapting to the demands of a globalized economy and the rapid pace of technological change. By aligning our education and training systems with local employers' needs, we can build on our strengths and prepare for the future.
A well-designed careers framework can attract new businesses to the area, knowing they will have access to a skilled and adaptable workforce. This can lead to increased investment in the region, further boosting economic growth and creating a more vibrant and diverse economy.
The Power of Collaboration
The success of the all-age careers framework depends on collaboration between businesses, educational institutions, local government, and the community. By working together, we can create a system that meets the needs of today’s employers and anticipates the skills that will be in demand in the future. Your participation is essential to ensure this framework is practical, effective, and tailored to County Durham’s unique needs.
By sharing your views, you are helping shape not just a framework but the future of our community. Your insights can lead to tangible benefits for your business and the wider economy, creating a legacy of growth and prosperity for generations to come.
Conclusion
Your involvement in the co-design of this new vision and framework is not just an opportunity; it is a responsibility. As an employer, you have the power to influence our local economy's future by ensuring the workforce has the skills and knowledge needed to succeed. By sharing your views, you contribute to a stronger, more resilient County Durham, capable of supporting sustainable economic growth and providing opportunities for all its residents. We intend to host up to seven consultation workshops across the County from September to October 2024, with dates and venues to be confirmed.
If you represent a sector-specific body, professional association, trade union, or third-sector organisation, please also Have Your Say! Now is the time to step forward. Together, we can build a brighter future for County Durham. Thank you in advance for your participation!
Contact: Deirdre Hughes – email: admin@dmhassociates.org
