Greater Manchester Chamber puts skills centre stage at its July Assembly meeting

Chris Fletcher, Director of Policy and Marketing

Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce’s quarterly Member’s Assembly took place on Friday (10 July) at Elliot House, the Chamber’s HQ.

Amongst the agenda items was a key presentation from Chamber’s Skills Advisor, Chris Taylor. Members were asked a series questions regarding skills provision and the future possibilities that greater devolved powers and funding could bring to businesses in Greater Manchester.

The results captured by voting pads gave a useful snapshot of how members attending the meeting regard skills. Three key questions were asked around employer influence on the skills system.

The Assembly were asked: Would greater employer influence over Apprenticeship content enable employers to take on more young people (16-24)? 80% said yes, 8% said no and 12% didn’t know.

They were then asked: Would you as an employer like to be involved in the design of apprenticeship content? 91% said yes, 9% said no.

Finally they were asked: Would you as an employer like to be involved in the delivery of apprenticeship content? 79% said yes, 16% said know and 5% said they didn’t know

Commenting on the meeting, Chris Fletcher, Director of Policy and Marketing at GMCC said:
“We’ve seen today that there is a considerable interest and demand from employers to take a greater and more active role in future skills provision in Greater Manchester. In the context of greater devolution, the skills issue forms one of the essential elements for future growth. However it is crucial that employers play a key role in ensuring their needs are met.

"Today’s Assembly was useful as it gives us a clear steer on this important issue backed by a clear call from business as to how they see their role in developing a future skills strategy that addresses their needs. The Chambers role is to help make this happen.”

The also event featured a detailed analysis of the Budget and an initial discussion around the EU Referendum which will form the basis of the Chamber’s future campaign activity.