Harlow Consulting specialises in skills, education, qualifications and workforce research ranging from skills audits to assess current and future skills needs, gaps and shortages, desk-based research into educational strategies or bespoke research to produce robust Labour Market Information (LMI). We regularly survey employers across a range of sectors to assess their skills, training and qualification needs, and assess the impacts of careers initiatives and workforce development programmes.
Harlow Consulting has delivered the last two iterations of this biennial survey, in 2021 and in 2024 (not yet published). We worked with CITB to review the previous year’s questionnaire, identify questions to retain and those which would be replaced to address contemporary issues: in 2021, we explored the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic; in 2024, we explored the impact of the cost of living and the prevalence of multi-skilling. All other questions were retained to facilitate longitudinal analysis and comparative reporting. We achieved over 1,200 survey completions stratified by business size, trade (SIC code) and nation/region. Results were weighted to be representative of these stratifications.
We were commissioned by Historic England to assess skills needs, gaps and shortages in the heritage construction sector. Using a mixed methodology, we drew upon insights obtained from comprehensive desk-based research, qualifications mapping, a large-scale telephone survey of contractors, depth interviews and stakeholder round tables to set out the supply, demand and training landscape. Our report highlighted key challenges and opportunities for Historic England and informed their strategic planning to safeguard a workforce with the right skills to safeguard our older and traditional buildings in years to come.
In 2023, the SQA carried out a review of the Group Awards in the Built Environment, HNC/D Architectural Technology and HNC/D Civil Engineering. To understand the nature and extent of any changes required, SQA commissioned Harlow Consulting to undertake a scoping review with the purpose of gaining clarity on the value and relevance of the qualifications. We completed a desktop review of the qualification structures and units, followed by consultation with professional bodies in the built environment sector and a sample of Further Education (FE) providers. Our report enabled SQA to understand the extent to which the qualifications met the current and future needs of industry and further/higher education.
Harlow Consulting Services Ltd is a company registered in England and Wales, company number 12246374 VAT No. 339691558.
Registered address: Suite 18, 1 Cardale Park, Harrogate HG3 1RY
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