Skills Starter: A free tool to start key conversations around your skills challenges

Skills Starter logo

The Open University Business Barometer report found that only 46% of employers had implemented a written skills plan to identify and address current or anticipated skills shortages. A further 37% had a plan, but not in writing and many organisations do not know where to start.

We have partnered with TrainingZone to develop an interactive online tool which will help employers begin important conversations and take the first steps in building a plan – or revising an existing one.

Get started

Just

46%

of employers have implemented a written skills plan*

 

50%

said access to expert advice would make it easier to develop or refine a skills plan**

 

99%

are interested in a free tool that identifies gaps in thinking with a tailored action plan**

 

41%

said ready-made resources and checklists would help**

*The Open University Business Barometer 2025; **Open University survey, 2025

How it works

  1. Fill in the questionnaire below to define your main skills challenges
  2. We will send you a plan-on-a-page and a set of resources based on your priorities
  3. Fill in your plan and let us know how you are getting on!

Our experts

The tool has been created in association with TrainingZone, learning consultant and author, Laura Overton, and expert input from The Open University and its partners. For more information on how we developed the tool, click here.