Expert view: Businesses take control of skills

Amanda Melton, principal and chief executive of Nelson and Colne College, talks about better developing Lancashire's talent to meet employer needs.

The messages each time are similar: the skills within the businesses are increasingly held by older employees, and the skills drain due to retirement or promotion elsewhere is a considerable issue; access to funding for training is confused and not driven by employer need; young people do not have the essential skills and attitude to meet your skills shortage.

I have had the pleasure to work with a consortium of employers recently on a bid to direct funding specifically to address their collective skills shortages.

Instead, it will direct funding at skill development which promotes growth, drives efficiency, and which prepares out region to compete on the world stage through targeted skills development.

Creating a talent pool which has a better understanding of the requirements of the job market is an incredibly powerful opportunity.Amanda MeltonPrincipal and chief executiveNelson and Colne College