Businesses are getting on board plans to ensure local training equips their current and future workers with the skills they need.
The Leicester, Leicester and Rutland Local Skills Improvement Plan is one of 39 across the UK aimed at getting business leaders working with colleges, universities and skills providers to provide the right level of training for the changing jobs market.
Over the next three years it will address five key priorities: determining the skills that workers need; ensuring young people have the broader life skills for the world of work; sharpening digital and AI training; developing green skills for Net Zero; and ensuring all skills provision is flexible, inclusive and meets the needs of our diverse businesses.
To start playing your part in shaping local skills provision, businesses can register by clicking here.
Mark Robinson, the founder of design agency Creative62, which is based in Enderby, just outside Leicester, said it was vital that SMEs like his played a part in “building tomorrow’s talent today” by collaborating with training and education providers.
He said: “Creative62 has established a genuine close relationship with the University of Leicester.
“I now serve as one of their entrepreneurs in residence, supporting students and graduates with their business ideas, and we have delivered guest lectures on their marketing programmes to assist their academics.
“That reciprocal relationship has been fantastic for us – we get to engage with fresh talent and ideas, and the university gains a real, commercial perspective on what employers truly need.
“I would encourage any local business to foster such connections. It doesn’t have to be formal, but a consistent presence always pays off.
“That same principle is why we signed up to the Local Skills Improvement Plan.
“Skills plans only work if businesses actively shape them, rather than have them imposed.
“We wanted a say in defining what “work-ready” looks like for graduates entering creative and marketing roles, and that input directly influences the courses and content colleges and universities provide to students.
“If you want the next generation of talent to arrive equipped with the right skills, you need to be involved.
“This is particularly true in the creative sector, where technical skills alone are insufficient. We often see graduates who are proficient practically but need support with client communication, confidently presenting ideas, and adapting to a commercial environment.
“Incorporating soft skills and communication alongside digital skills is exactly the right focus for this plan – it’s what distinguishes someone who can do the job from someone who can excel at it from day one.
“Digital skills increasingly include AI literacy. AI technology is advancing rapidly in our industry, from content and design tools to campaign planning.
“Businesses like ours require a talent pipeline comfortable with these changes, not intimidated by them.
“Embedding AI literacy into courses now ensures students graduate ready to utilise these tools effectively, rather than having to catch up after starting work.
“At the heart of all this lies Leicester, Leicestershire’s and Rutland’s diversity, one of our region’s greatest strengths, which we must fully harness.
“This involves ensuring that the foundations we build for future workforces, decision-makers and business owners are inclusive.
“We only shape these outcomes by actively engaging and making our voices heard.”
Richard Blackmore is director of policy and insight at East Midlands Chamber, which leads the delivery of the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Local Skills Improvement Plan.
He said: “The number of 18-24s across the UK classified as NEET (not in education, employment or training) has topped a million – a shocking figure that needs addressing without delay.
“For too long, too many young people have struggled to access jobs that employers are desperate to fill because they don’t have the right training.
“Business leaders know what skills are needed in the region’s workplaces which is why we want them to drive the development of the curriculum and training provision by working more closely with our colleges and universities.”
To start playing your part in shaping local skills provision, businesses can register by clicking here.
