Businesses play a key role in making sure the next generation of workers has the right skills for the ever-evolving job market – and the new Local Skills Improvement Plan will create the opportunity to shape the region’s skills priorities.
Insight from employers will help colleges, universities and skills providers draw up the right industry-relevant training to support the rapidly changing jobs market.
The Local Skills Improvement Plan has been developed through research, insight and engagement with businesses, education and regional stakeholders, identifying five key priorities:
- Working together to determine what skills the region needs
- Getting trainees and graduates ready for the world of work
- Strengthening digital and AI training
- Developing green skills for Net Zero
- Making sure skills provision is flexible and inclusive
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The three year plan will allow business leaders to help shape the curriculum through continued activity led by East Midlands Chamber as it collects insight and data from employers.
The more businesses that take part, the more impact they can have.
All further and higher education providers in the region are actively contributing to the delivery of the plan, including Leicester College, Loughborough College Group, De Montfort University, the University of Leicester, Loughborough University and North Warwickshire College and South Leicestershire College.
Wyggeston and Queen Elizabeth I sixth form college is also working on implementing changes based on the outcomes of the research.
Shabir Ismail, principal and chief executive of Leicester College, said: “The Local Skills Improvement Plan is central to helping to shape our education and training so that it reflects the skills that local employers need most, particularly in key growth industries.
“The plan will help further education and training providers such as the college to deliver the most effective support for current and future students as they move into the workplace.”
Jill Cowley is pro vice-chancellor, extended education at De Montfort University,
She said: “Working closely with employers is helping De Montfort University reshape its education and training offer.
“We’re developing new apprenticeships, professional courses and flexible learning opportunities that respond to the changing needs of businesses, supporting both the next generation entering the workforce and those already in employment who need to develop new skills.
“The Local Skills Improvement Plan is an important opportunity to strengthen those partnerships and ensure higher education continues to meet the needs of our region and we look forward to continuing to work with the Chamber to support the local workforce.”
Richard Blackmore is director of policy and insight at East Midlands Chamber which has the contract to deliver the Local Skills Improvement Plan.
He said: “Helping shape a level of training and education that is fit for purpose is much more than teaching young people the basics.
“It is becoming more and more important to teach them the skills to be able to communicate, to problem solve and use technology in ways that have never been considered before.
“AI, for instance, is going to play a part in more and more jobs in the coming years, in industries ranging from design and finance to construction, logistics, defence, health and social care. And having the skills to use that technology in those sectors will be vital to economic success.
“Some of the best people to determine what our teenagers and young adults should be taught are the businesses that will one day employ them. The process must be employer-led.
“The new skills plan is the best way to give businesses a louder voice in shaping post-16 technical education and skills provision.”
Editor’s Notes
East Midlands Chamber has been given the contract of drawing up the government-funded Local Skills Improvement Plan which will bridge the gap between the skills employers need and the training available to the local workforce.
It will reflect changes in the skills landscape, including the creation of Skills England and the strategic direction outlined in the Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper.
It will also play a part in simplifying access to skills, and boosting economic growth.
It is easy for businesses to get involved by signing up at www.insight-unlocked.co.uk.
There they can complete a business survey which the Chamber will use to guide the skills being offered locally.
The website also offers a breakdown of the Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland employment scene, the types of jobs available and the skills needed to fill them.
There are also contact details for the key skills providers – our colleges, universities and private training suppliers.
It has projected figures for jobs growth, the skills that are most in demand now – and those expected to be needed in the coming years – and figures for the types of businesses keeping the local economy going.
