A NEW questionnaire will ask look to identify the current and future needs of the Chester workforce.

Led by the Chamber of Commerce on behalf of Cheshire West and Chester Council, the new project will look to connect businesses with local education and training providers to help bridge skill gaps.

Coucillor Richard Beacham, Leaders Champion for Chester One City Plan said: “This project is part of our local fair economy borough plan, to understand what the Chester workforce needs are and to connect businesses directly with local education and training providers. We are keen to encourage local businesses to help develop future training course content to ensure that they represent the needs of local businesses.

“We are asking businesses to complete a short questionnaire and get involved in shaping Chester’s future talent pool. The questions include the type of skills or training being looked for including digital skills, AI, numeracy, sales and marketing, planning, health and safety.

“Are businesses finding it difficult to recruit? Are there problems with skills, qualifications, or work experience? Are businesses looking for new employees, apprentices, graduates, school, or college leavers? Do local businesses need to provide staff training?”

This Chester One City Plan skills project is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, Supporting Local Business and aims to foster collaboration between Chester-based businesses and local education providers.

Employers will be directed to local support to ensure their workforce possesses the skills necessary for growth.

The project seeks to understand the specific skills needs of businesses in Chester and develop a comprehensive action plan to address these needs. 

Businesses taking part in the Empowering Chester businesses project will benefit from: 

  • Help to find the right talent for their business by building a robust pipeline of skilled, job-ready candidates
  • Ways to develop the skills of an existing team to succeed and grow business
  • Opportunities to shape local training programs to meet the exact business needs

Employers can sign up to take part in the project through the form on the Cheshire West and Chester Council website.

More information about the Inclusive Economy is available at: www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/business/inclusive-economy.