Upskilling: the key to fighting UK business uncertainty, skills gaps and productivity lags

by Jan 8, 2019Alumni news

It’s safe to say that UK businesses are facing a period of unprecedented change and challenges and it doesn’t look like it’s going to let up any time soon. Despite rising slightly in 2018, our productivity still lags behind our European neighbours and two years of preparing for Brexit has also cast a shadow.

Recent City & Guilds Group research – People Power – found that nine out of ten UK employers are struggling to recruit the skilled staff they need, and two thirds think that skills gaps are likely to get worse or remain the same in the next three to five years.

The solution though is in our own hands and we need to turn our attention inwards and start with our existing workforce. And that means now, more than ever, employers need to be upskilling their employees, investing in skills development and training programmes and driving tangible benefits of their businesses.

Read the full article on the HR Director website:  https://www.thehrdirector.com/features/skills-shortage/upskilling-skills-gaps909/

Other news stories

UK businesses’ training is recognised by HRH The Princess Royal on her 70th birthday

HRH The Princess Royal, President of City & Guilds Group, recognises organisations whose training has delivered measurable business impact Businesses continue to deliver excellent training programmes in the Princess Royal Training Award’s fifth year, despite the...

Case Study: using training to benefit people and the planet at Fifty Shades Greener

This small company which educates organisations on how to reduce their carbon footprint through changing their behaviours showcases its own commitment to learning through its tailored employee induction programme. Green Skills for Life is central to the training,...

52 organisations receive royal recognition for tremendous training and incredible impact in 2024

15 August 2024: City & Guilds has today announced the 52 training programmes that will be recognised by the 2024 Princess Royal Training Awards. Now in its ninth year, The Princess Royal Training Awards continue to recognise organisations who demonstrate...

In the press: MP celebrates local business’ Princess Royal Training Award win

Antoinette Sandbach, MP for Eddisbury, is celebrating Barlows (UK) Ltd being awarded a Princess Royal Training Award. The family-run business, based in Malpas, created a lasting impact by successfully linking their skills development needs to the company’s overall...

Case study: how National Museums Northern Ireland used training as a catalyst for organisational change

National Museums Northern Ireland has created a significant culture shift in the organisation, alongside increasing visitor satisfaction thanks to its commitment to training. Visitors who classify themselves as very satisfied with their experience of the organisation...

In the press: Master Innholders Aspiring Leaders Diploma honoured with Princess Training Award 2018

The Master Innholders Aspiring Leaders Diploma (MIALD) has been recognised by the 2018 Princess Royal Training Awards. Designed to develop management and leadership skills, the programme has been awarded for its commitment to training and the positive...

Virtual coffee: 5 ways to take care of yourself while working from home

Though working from home is common, it’s a whole different kettle of fish when you’re forced to work remotely. And for some, that kettle of fish is literal. ‘My partner cooked fish for lunch today – very inappropriate as my office area is the kitchen/dining table.’...

New for 2018: hands-on workshops announced to help with your application

Due to popular demand we are running a number of workshops to offer practical help and support to anyone thinking of applying for a Princess Royal Training Award in 2018. You will have the opportunity to get ideas and support on how best to apply and we...

In the press: Childbase’s training programme receives royal approval

Childbase Partnership has received a Princess Royal Training Award for its bespoke programme ‘Teach to Reach’. HRH Princess Anne and and June Sadler, Childbase apprenticeships managerIt is one of only 44 organisations and the only early years group to receive this...

Outstanding workplace training programmes recognised in HRH The Princess Royal’s training awards

HRH The Princess Royal, President of City & Guilds, awards employers with outstanding training and skills development programmes which have been proven to have significant positive impact on their business or their staff More apprenticeship programmes have been...

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

A decade of excellence: Royal recognition for UK and Irish organisations honoured at the Princess Royal Training Awards

The Princess Royal Training Awards are the UK and Ireland’s premier awards programme for recognising training excellence. On Tuesday 2 December, in an awards ceremony at Fishmongers Hall, the City & Guilds Foundation had the honour of recognising 56 outstanding...

HRH The Princess Royal celebrates best-in-class workplace training in 10th anniversary year for Awards

HRH The Princess Royal, President of the City and Guilds of London Institute, awards employers for outstanding training and skills development programmes which have positively impacted organisations, people and wider society. 15 August 2025: City & Guilds has...

HRH The Princess Royal discusses the importance of creating aspirations for young people

n this video series, Kirstie Donnelly MBE, Chief Executive of City & Guilds, talks with our president HRH The Princess Royal about the importance of skills on society, about the role we play as an organisation and about the Awards that we created in her name – The Princess Royal Training Awards – which are celebrating their tenth anniversary.

HRH The Princess Royal discusses the diverse range of Princess Royal Training Award organisations

In this video series, Kirstie Donnelly MBE, Chief Executive of City & Guilds, talks with our president HRH The Princess Royal about the importance of skills on society, about the role we play as an organisation and about the Awards that we created in her name – The Princess Royal Training Awards – which are celebrating their tenth anniversary.

HRH The Princess Royal discusses the value of City & Guilds to society

In this video series, Kirstie Donnelly MBE, Chief Executive of City & Guilds, talks with our president HRH The Princess Royal about the importance of skills on society, about the role we play as an organisation and about the Awards that we created in her name – The Princess Royal Training Awards – which are celebrating their tenth anniversary.

HRH The Princess Royal discusses the changing world of skills

In this video series, Kirstie Donnelly MBE, Chief Executive of City & Guilds, talks with our president HRH The Princess Royal about the importance of skills on society, about the role we play as an organisation and about the Awards that we created in her name – The Princess Royal Training Awards – which are celebrating their tenth anniversary.

A decade of excellence and a room full of inspiration – Princess Royal Training Awards Skills Share 2025

On 30 April 2025, City & Guilds hosted its second-ever Skills Share event – this time at the stunning Goldsmiths’ Hall in London – marking a major milestone: 10 years of the Princess Royal Training Awards. With over 130 Award recipients in attendance, the event was not just a celebration but a forum for shared learning, inspiration and reflection on what a decade of investment in skills development really means.

Ten Years of the Princess Royal Training Awards

In the tenth year of the Princess Royal Training Awards we take a look back at some of the recipients including Balfour Beatty, Fifty Shades Greener and Pret A Manger to find out what achieving the standard means to them and their organisations.

Case study: OnSide Youth Zones

Hear about Princess Royal Training Award recipients OnSide and their award-winning youth centres in this video.

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This
Princess Royal Training Awards
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful. For more information see our Privacy Policy.