What skills does Warrington need for the future?

Warrington’s Skills Commission has launched a public survey to assess employability and skills across the borough.

The survey, which anyone in Warrington can complete, looks to identify current skills, job market trends, future employment opportunities and what people look for when applying for a job.

The Warrington Skills Commission aims to ensure local people have the skills employers want and need.

The commission is made up of representatives from a broad range of sectors, including the council, local business, education and skills, public and the voluntary and community sector. It will be informed by local, national and international evidence and research – including insight collected from the local survey.

Based on research and evidence collected, the commission will draw conclusions on Warrington’s current position and challenges, identify areas for improvement and make recommendations for change, which will be shared widely later this year.

The survey, which is now open and closes on Friday 7 April, will take around 10-15 minutes to complete. Those who enter also have the opportunity to win a £100 voucher to spend at Warrington Market.

Nichola Newton, Principal and CEO at Warrington & Vale Royal College, and member of the Skills Commission, said: “This survey is an important piece of work to help us understand the current employment and skills market across Warrington, whilst also gaining an insight into people’s priorities when it comes to job hunting and equipping themselves with future skills.

“Through this survey, and other research, we want to find out what employers’ skills requirements are across Warrington’s businesses and the local economy more generally, especially in those priority sectors where there are hard to fill vacancies and skills needs.

“This will ensure that the college continues to develop and deliver high quality education and skills training such that local people are enabled, and well qualified, to take up positions in local businesses. In so doing, the college will support Warrington’s employers to meet their current and future workforce needs.

“We would welcome the views of anyone working or living in Warrington, so please take the time to complete the survey.”

To complete the survey, visit warrington.gov.uk/skills