Workforce Development Plans

The Tourism Skills Network (TSN) commissioned the University of West of England in 2002 to undertake research into the skills needs of the tourism hospitality and leisure sector in the South West off England. This resulted in the publishing of the Workforce Development Plans for each county and the region.

The TSN has continued to conduct research throughout the last 4 years to ensure that the plans remain current and that they remain capable of addressing the requirements of the sector in the South West region.

“Tourism Skills 2015” has provided the opportunity to review the workforce development plans a little more closely. To support the sector strategy for the region “Towards 2015” the project has also added a future dimension and has actively sought he views of the industry about how they see the future. The Updated Plans for the Region will be available at the end of February 2007.

Skills Requirements Research - Winter 2006/07

The Tourism Skills Network has recently carried out some qualitative research to help with the development of the next Workforce Development Plans.

The research conducted on our behalf by independent researchers ‘fionaandmichelle Brand Research and Development’ during November, December 2006 and January 2007, was conducted in each of the DMO areas across the South West region. The research took the form of Focus groups with participants from across the industry providing their views and understanding. The research primarily looked at the likely issues that will affect the industry in the next 10 years and what impact that will have on skills requirements. The findings are currently being used by the Tourism Skills network Coordinators to complete the workforce development plans for each DMO area.

Once the DMO Workforce Development Plans have been produced, the Regional Plan will be produced and published.

The research highlighted some interesting conclusions. In summary, there were no surprises for the Tourism Skills Network team. There is a need to improve quality and to achieve this through a continued drive to improve Customer care/service skills. There was recognition that customers are changing and that the industry needs to skill the workforce to meet the needs of an increasingly discerning customer base. The industry needs to become more innovative and to develop opportunities for a total experience, this means developing collaboration and partnership skills. There is also a need to address the sustainability agenda and the new working practices that are emerging and the need to provide more flexibility in employment.

For more information about the research and to discuss any of the findings/conclusions in the report, please contact Wendy Samuel on 01275 370910 or by email at wendy.samuel@tsnsw.org.uk.