Working To Address Skills Challenges

10 Sep 2025

Education and skills are at the top of the IOR’s agenda, and we’re launching two new initiatives this month where members' input will make a real difference.

1. Have Your Say: IOR Skills Needs Survey

Skills shortages. Training gaps. Too few new entrants. These are issues raised at almost every industry meeting. But how big is the problem, and what should we do about it? We’re asking employers and training providers to take part in our IOR Skills Needs Survey. Your input will shape practical solutions such as:

Supporting new apprenticeships
Expanding training for designers
Promoting careers in RACHP

This is your chance to influence the future skills agenda.

👉 Complete the survey here:

2. Building Bridges: Outreach to Schools, Colleges & Employers

The IOR's Presidents' Fund for Education is funding an Education Outreach Officer project for 6 months to engage in a programme of :

Visiting schools, colleges and employers to raise awareness of RACHP careers
Mapping training needs across the sector
Exploring partnerships with STEM organisations and careers fairs
Reviewing apprenticeships and tapping into funding opportunities

If you (or someone you know) has experience working with schools and colleges and can prepare evaluation reports based on primary research, we’d love to hear from you.

📩 View the job description and project plan here

📧 Employers, colleges, and schools interested in supporting this initiative, please contact us at ior@ior.org.uk

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