Fundamental to MK businesses’ prosperity is a suitably trained workforce led by forward looking management, conversant with the digital economy and the opportunities offered through technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The continued prosperity of Milton Keynes depends upon having a workforce that is fit for the future. Accordingly, SkillsHub:MK, funded by the Department for Education and Skills, and led by MK College supported the South Central Institute of Technology, the OU, Cranfield University, and Milton Keynes Artificial Intelligence (MKAI), is introducing a number of key projects – aimed at supporting all Milton Keynes businesses, post-pandemic. These will support essential business training and mentoring and include close involvement with the local further education sector.
Projects will be provided by various local partners – each a leader in their field. Employers are encouraged to take a Training Needs’ Assessment (TNA) with the option to engage with one or all of the programmes
An Informed Digital Future: delivered by Biztech. (MK’s Business and Technology Hub). Aimed at small and medium-sized businesses and designed to address the digital skills shortage, the programme will offer training and mentoring for business as well as liaison with training providers. This will address the gap between the needs of companies and the education curriculum. Practical training courses in digital skills will improve career prospects for local people and support Milton Keynes employers in finding the talent they need.
Skills Matching Service: delivered by MK College Group (Provider of education services). The aim is to increase engagement with SMEs to deliver a number of career focused forums, providing the opportunity to interact with local education and training providers. Putting businesses and educators side by side, the forums will contribute actively to developing and delivering new skills training, influenced by understanding the needs of local business. The first forums will bring together discrete business sectors to work collaboratively to complete their TNA. This is designed to reflect local businesses’ needs, enabling increased productivity and growth. SkillsHub:MK will focus on providing free training in Management and Leadership skills.
Driving a Technological Future: delivered by MKAI. (A community-led project to improve AI fluency). The demand for expertise in artificial intelligence, cloud and robotics is increasing, with new technologies continuing to emerge with businesses struggling to fill job positions in these areas.
The SkillsHub:MK will be the focus for providing networked, high-tech learning aimed at skills development in AI and automation. The Hub will engage with business, training providers and their students, sharing resources to develop the skilled workers of the future.
Being able to think differently about AI and how it can impact on business needs is the first step. By recognising the need for a highly skilled workforce, businesses will be more able to keep pace with developments in their own sector.
This programme will ensure that the training pipeline matches their future business needs as well as helping young people into employment and developing the skills of the local workforce.
SkillsHub:MK will offer a physical as well as a virtual space for management to collaborate with like-minded professionals and trainers to better future proof their business.
Take up the challenge now
Fully funded training for Milton Keynes businesses
Guided TNA assessments
Specialist support to recruit and retain staff through focused programmes
Saving on recruitment costs and HR resources
Invaluable pre-employment guidance to identify performance gaps
Aligns training with business objectives
Within Milton Keynes, reskilling or upskilling the current workforce is a key priority particularly within the context of economic recovery. It is good news that funds have been allocated to support these priorities.
Come along and find out more
There’s an opportunity to find out more about SkillsHub:MK when Collaborate MK, Milton Keynes’ biggest networking group, holds a special event on January 20, 2022 at the MK Gallery from 3.15pm where visitors can discover more and get involved with SkillsHub:MK. The event will be followed by a free networking evening from 4.45pm until 7pm.
Businesses will be able hear all about the project and feedback on what skills they need to see their business flourish, while enjoying Collaborate MK’s customary hospitality.
Information about courses and events already on offer for local business’s future development, and how your business can benefit, will also be available.
To book, visit collaboratemk.co.uk/events/face-to-face-networking
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Find out more about SkillsHub:MK at www.skillshubmk.co.uk
