This paper has been written as part of a South West Observatory-led exploration of prospects for private sector growth in the region. It is a companion piece to the Economy Modules paper, Prospects for Private Sector Jobs Growth in South West England, which describe the macro-economic prospects for the region. The themes identified in both reports were the subject of a conference in Taunton on 2 November 2011. This report looks at the questions:
What are the overall trends in employment and what do they mean in terms of the demand for skills?
What are the prospects for rebalancing in terms of skills and to what extent will the existing skills base provide a foundation for private sector growth?
In the context of youth unemployment, what are the opportunities for new entrants into the labour market?
With worklessness on the rise, to what extent will new opportunities be accessible to workless people?
What are the overall trends in employment and what do they mean in terms of the demand for skills?
What are the prospects for rebalancing in terms of skills and to what extent will the existing skills base provide a foundation for private sector growth?
In the context of youth unemployment, what are the opportunities for new entrants into the labour market?
With worklessness on the rise, to what extent will new opportunities be accessible to workless people?