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Future proofing England’s workforce – how modern universities can meet the skills challenge highlights England’s entrenched skills gaps across occupations and regions. The current shortages in areas such as healthcare, education, technology and construction constrain economic growth, lower productivity and are placing pressures on public services.

A complex interplay of factors drives these mismatches. Employer decisions around training and job quality interact with Government policies on education, migration, and careers advice. Data limitations, economic conditions, and individual motivation also shape skills imbalances. Tackling gaps requires coordinated efforts engaging all stakeholders.

A concerted effort, engaging all stakeholders, can steer England towards a more dynamic skills ecosystem. But this hinges on empowering modern universities as anchors of opportunity through data, resources and autonomy. With the right conditions, they can help build integrated lifelong learning and funding models attuned to the needs of diverse learners, employers and local economies. This strategic approach offers a route to closing skills gaps, boosting productivity and enabling inclusive growth.

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