Dorset Chamber is tackling the problematic question of skills shortages.

It is calling on employers and managers to complete a short online survey to help understand the skills needed for the county’s workforce to thrive and businesses to grow.

The employer led Dorset Skills Needs Survey forms part of the Dorset Local Skills Improvement Plan delivered by Dorset Chamber and funded by the Department for Education.

It has been developed to help identify the skills that Dorset employers feel are most lacking in the workforce right now – and those needed soon.

Employer evidence will be collated by Dorset Chamber and used to shape the provision of all the training providers operating in the post-16 education and training system.

This may include apprenticeships, T-levels or other workplace learning opportunities as well as online and college based courses.

Ian Girling, chief executive of Dorset Chamber, said: “This is an innovative and new opportunity to share your views on the skills your business needs to thrive and grow.

“Perhaps you feel a specific skill is missing from your workforce, you’ve struggled to recruit new staff with the right qualifications, or you can’t find or source the training you need locally.

“Complete this survey and let us know so that future training can be further adapted to meet employer needs.”

Nicola Newman, project lead for Dorset LSIP, added: “Each business is unique, but we all depend on the skills and support of our employees.

“Ensuring our teams have the right skills – and the opportunity to get those skills, whether they be school leavers or experienced staff – is intrinsic to our future and economic growth in Dorset.

“If you run a business or have a responsibility for managing staff, I urge you to spend five minutes to complete this online survey.”

Individuals who complete the survey will be invited to register to take in part in a 1:1 interview.

As part of the survey, businesses are also being asked to specifically share information on the skills needed to meet Net Zero targets.

The LSIP was launched at a recent summit at Merley House with business leaders.

The survey link is https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/3D99BTH