Our sixteenth Skills Shortage Bulletin examines geographic and demographic disparities in access to education and skills and takes inspiration from Formula One. New research from The Learning and Work Institute reveals stark regional skill disparities - nearly two-thirds (64%) of Londoners are highly qualified, compared to just 34% in Greater Lincolnshire. Similar disparities exist for those with lower qualifications. But pockets of innovation offer glimmers of optimism. And with the emergence of regional bodies like Skills England and Medr, and growing focus on the UK’s Growth Mission, there is hope for a fairer, future-proof skills system.
The 2023/24 student career readiness report from Careers & Enterprise Company (CEC) highlights regional fragmentation in career readiness and aspirations. For example, 20% of Year 11 students in London show interest in business and finance, compared to just 10% in the South West. In contrast, 14% of students in Yorkshire and the Humber are drawn to construction and trades – more than any other region. The CEC has also identified a critical window during secondary education for developing and boosting learner confidence in essential skills like listening and leadership. Their findings demonstrate the need for careers guidance tailored to local labour markets as well as early engagement with young people on essential skills development.
Of course, regional issues aren't the only concern. High economic inactivity and shifting skills demands on an ageing workforce pose major challenges for the UK, according to the OECD. They highlight the need for greater investment in lifelong learning. They recommend funding incentives to boost adult training and a range of further measures to create an effective post-16 skills system. High Value Manufacturing Catapult, which fosters connections between academia and industry is working to predict emerging technologies that will shape future manufacturing skills demand. Its forecasting model aims to reduce the gap between tech innovation and training delivery. While still in its early days, other sectors will no doubt be watching this model with interest.
We also include sector-specific insights from EngineeringUK. Their new report ‘Advancing STEM Careers Provision in England’ highlights key STEM challenges and calls for a long-term, funded strategy to raise awareness in young people about the fulfilling potential of careers in STEM. It also advocates increased collaboration between local STEM employers and education programmes.
Which brings us to our F1 special supplement, included with this edition of the Bulletin. We get off to a great start with STEMx, a groundbreaking collaboration between Milton Keynes College and six-time F1 World Champions Oracle Red Bull Racing. By integrating F1-inspired challenges into the curriculum it makes STEM subjects both tangible and exciting for young learners. Motorsport UK also hosts hands-on STEM activities that bring motorsport to life for students who might otherwise never consider pursuing a career in the sector. And Formula Student gives thousands of budding engineers the chance to design, build, and race single-seater cars, testing their engineering, teamwork, business, and project management skills.
These particular initiatives are tailored to the needs of F1 and the automotive industry. But beyond Formula One, many of the challenges they face are mirrored in sectors ranging from healthcare to construction, the creative industries and more.
Skills England could take a page from motorsport’s playbook: start early, diversify talent pipelines, and create equitable opportunities for all young people - the underlying principles of long-term workforce planning offer valuable lessons for any industry grappling with recruitment and talent gaps.