Science skill shortages have long plagued the UK. The years of stagnation, combined with the repercussions of Covid-19, have turned the STEM skills deficit into a major issue that needs urgent attention.

The UK government’s annual employer skills survey reports that 1.72 million workers are now considered underskilled, up from 1.27 million in 2017. The widening gap looms over the advancement of scientific industries – and with it, stunting tendrils to the larger economy. This isn’t just a pressing dilemma, it’s also strategically vital for determining the course of science and technology in the UK.

The importance of closing the skills gap

According to FutureDotNow, ‘closing the workforce skills gap is critical for individuals, their employers, and the UK as a whole. It has a proven impact on productivity, personal prosperity, and economic growth.’

The issue of skills gap is not just a number; it is a stopper of creativity and wealth generation. As the UK sets its sights on reaching its aspirations as a science and tech superpower, it is an essential need that we have a workforce equipped with the necessary skills to drive innovation and excel in digital environments. It has been recognised for some time now that there is an acute shortage of STEM skills — with the figures for Professional, Scientific & Technical having seen a dramatic slowdown of late. According to Serck, ‘The 10-year percentage increase is 43%, but over the last three years, the rate has dropped dramatically to just a 5% increase between 2019 and 2021.’

The lack of new graduates joining the scientific sectors further worsens the situation –  hampering any efforts towards placing the UK at par with global competitors in certain spheres due to the risks brought about by this shortfall.

Steps to close the skills gap

Investing in education and training

More must be done to reskill existing employees to meet the demands of specific roles.

Serck Industrial General Manager John Codling

Here are actionable steps that can be taken to address the skills drought:

A central role is assumed by education: Consequently, motivating more pupils to undertake STEM subjects from elementary through higher learning institutions is important. However, we must also consider the quality of education and how well it aligns with industry needs, not just the numbers.

Government initiatives: Schemes such as partially funded apprenticeship programmes provide hands-on skills during training so that graduates can easily fit into job requirements.

Attracting and retaining a talented workforce is paramount: This includes the implementation of corporate training programmes to help employees stay updated with new technologies and methodologies, ensuring they can adapt.

Competitive salaries and benefits

A notable issue contributing to the skills gap is the migration of science graduates to higher-paying sectors such as banking. To retain talent, scientific organisations must offer attractive compensation packages and extensive benefits.

Regularly benchmarking salaries against other sectors ensures competitiveness. Additionally, providing benefits such as flexible working conditions, health coverage and professional development opportunities can boost employee satisfaction and retention.

Promoting diversity and inclusion

Encouraging diversity in the STEM workforce can help tap into a wider talent pool. Women, for example, account for only 29% of STEM workers in the UK.

To address the skills shortage, businesses can focus on enhancing D&I through the following strategies:

Inclusive recruitment practices: Actively recruit from underrepresented groups and create an embracive workplace culture.

Mentorship programmes: to support career development for women and minority groups.

Leveraging global talent

The retention and attraction of globally mobile talent, including skilled workers from the EU as well as beyond it is essential.  Science Industry Partnerships

To address immediate skills gaps, organisations should adopt a global talent acquisition strategy:

Global Recruitment: Implement robust plans to attract and retain top talent from EU and non-EU countries, leveraging visa sponsorship schemes and international recruitment initiatives.

Mobility: Foster talent mobility across sectors and countries to facilitate cross-country learning and skill development.

Upskilling and reskilling existing employees

Upskilling current employees can address specific skill gaps, for example organisations can deliver in-house training by experienced staff to ensure employees gain the necessary skills, and encourage a culture of continuous learning and professional development.

Our expertise as a specialist scientific recruiter

With years of practice under our belt, the CY Partners team are uniquely positioned to help scientific employers manoeuvre the complexities of the skills gap. Our deep industry knowledge and extensive experience in filling niche roles allow us to understand the nuances of your sector and provide tailored staffing solutions to meet the unique needs of every role.

Here are key ways we can help you bridge the skills gap in your team:

Niche recruitment: We specialise in identifying and placing candidates in hard-to-fill positions within the scientific sectors.

Strategic advice: Our consultants offer knowledge-based guidance on retaining talent and developing competitive compensation packages.

Comprehensive support: From initial consultation to final placement, we provide continual assistance to ensure you secure the best talent available.

In summary

Addressing the skills gap in science requires a holistic and dynamic formula, one that not only adapts to the changing nature of the industry but also actively shapes a future where innovation and prosperity go hand in hand. By taking deliberate and meaningful action, scientific hiring organisations can ensure they acquire and retain the market’s best talent.

And remember, the CY Partners team are here to help you navigate the ebbs and flows of hiring. By tapping into our extensive talent pool and industry expertise, we can help establish a robust foundation for your rapidly expanding company. Contact us today to learn more.

We excel at connecting industry experts, giving you more time to focus on what you do best.

And for more expert tips on hiring a winning team, please visit our blog page.