Shortening the Skills Gap with the PSI Training Academy

Currently, 56% of UK organisations are experiencing a skills shortage. Many skilled workers are retiring, and not enough new workers have the training and skills necessary to take their place. With this growing gap in the market for new skilled workers looming, our team have jumped into action to solve the problem with the new PSI Training Academy.

About PSI Training Academy

PSI Training Academy was created with the aim of filling a gap in the market created by an ageing workforce. The aim of the academy is to upskill workers interested in learning a new skill. This new initiative will provide the training necessary to put people straight into long-term jobs currently available on various projects across the UK.

The initiative was started by Divisional Manager Rebecca Law. While recruiting for roles within Industrial Services, Rebecca started to see for herself the effects of the skills shortage. “We were already seeing a decrease in skilled workers prior to Covid, but the pandemic has added to that with job losses and a number of unfilled vacancies in sectors like construction.”

Not only have workers in the construction industry lost jobs due to the pandemic, but younger and more inexperienced workers have had a higher increase in job loss. They’re now trying to re-enter a workforce alongside more experienced workers who have also lost jobs over the last 18 months. Creating the academy is a way to help younger workers gain the skills necessary to compete in the industry now and in the future.

The initiative has already started with the upskilling of workers to fill jobs for industrial painters in Plymouth. Candidates who take part in the academy will either be enrolled on an apprenticeship scheme or training scheme, depending on their age. They can then start on-site with one of our clients to start building their skills and career further.

Community Support

With this project in place, it not only helps to shorten the skills gap but also helps to supply local workers with jobs in their own community. While PSI Global has been promoting the new training academy themselves, the team have also had help from various organisations within Plymouth.

PSI Global has partnered with Hire A Hero, a charity created to help those who have served transition back into life as a civilian, including helping them back into work. The positions available will be listed on their job board, giving veterans the opportunity to apply for work with us while learning a new skill.

The team has also been working to bridge the skills gap by engaging with local groups such as women in construction, homeless charities, and ex-offenders.

Looking Ahead

While the project has started with the upskilling of industrial painters, the team is also looking forward to getting more scaffolders into jobs across the UK as well. PSI Global Recruitment has been committed to developing our dedicated workers to provide further opportunities for them and support the needs and requirements of site.

If your company is interested in taking part in the PSI Training Academy, email us at marketing@psi-gsr.com and our team will be in touch.