There is a growing need for increased
learning and training within the process industry, an expert
suggested.
If skills and workplace training is not undertaken, there is likely to be a skills crisis in the process industries, an expert argued.
Chief executive of INEOS Olefins and Polymers Tom Crotty said that work needs to be carried out to up-skill the workforce currently employed in the process industries.
"It is vital that we continue to train our workforce despite the current economic pressures," said Mr Crotty at the inaugural conference of the National Skills Academy Process Industries in York.
He added that employers need to make sure they take an active lead in following the skills agenda, particularly as much of the workforce in the sector is between 40 and 50 years of age.
Investing in innovation and strengthening links with education are just some of the steps that could be taken to help boost skills training in the industry sector, he said.
Mr Crotty pointed out that the industry sector is facing "a real slowdown" in the number of young people beginning work in the area and suggested that working on improving skills training could be one way to help improve the situation.
The skills issue currently facing the processing industry is an urgent matter that needs to be addressed, he said. Steps must be taken to help improve learning and training so that the creation of a world-class business of the future can be completed.
Despite the country currently undergoing recession, the importance of skills training must not be forgotten, he said.
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