Business leaders and education providers in the Midlands have urged the new Government to ‘stick to the plan’ when it comes to closing the skills gap and helping businesses to develop the labour force they need.
The plea came at an event celebrating the progress made across the region on Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs) which was held at the MIRA Technology Institute situated on the Warwickshire and Leicestershire border.
LSIPs were designed by the previous Government to put employers at the heart of skills provision in their local area, to identify skills gaps and work with partners to devise solutions.
In each area of the Midlands, partners have come together – led by an employer representative body – to research needs and then come up with solutions unique to their own local area.
Each LSIP area in the Midlands was given the opportunity to present the progress they had made and what they saw as the next stage of the plan. The event also heard from Dr Mel Collins, head of LSIPs for the Department for Education, who said the model had been written into statute.
The regional LSIPs have been led and supported by a range of partners.
The West Midlands and Warwickshire LSIP has been led by the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber; The Marches LSIP by Shropshire Chamber; the Stoke on Trent and Staffordshire LSIP by Staffordshire Chamber; the Leicester and Leicestershire LSIP by East Midlands Chamber; Worcestershire LSIP by Herefordshire and Worcestershire Chamber; South-East Midlands LSIP by Northamptonshire Chamber; and the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire LSIP and Greater Lincolnshire & Rutland LSIP have both been led by the FSB.
The event heard about a wide range of changes and developments that have already been made – from improving softer skills through to enhancing green tech skills for the construction sector.
Corin Crane, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce, facilitated the celebration.
He said: “Skills has been an issue that has been on the agenda for years but this is the first time employers have really been asked what they need and have been brought together with providers – in partnership – to deliver that.
“The crucial letter in LSIP is the L. This is about businesses and providers understanding the local need and adapting to that.
“But, as Dr Mel Collins said, it’s a plan that has to continually evolve as skills needs change and this framework allows for that to happen.
“What is so exciting is the real enthusiasm from businesses and providers – and other partners – in working together in this way and already starting to see it pay off.
“But this has to be long term and we don’t want the rug pulled out from underneath us just as we are getting started so the message from businesses and providers is to stick to the plan on this one – it’s working!”
Ruth Ross, chief executive of the Shropshire Chamber of Commerce, said: “The local aspect to the LSIP project is vital, but also the collaboration and sharing between the 38 LSIP regions has taken the project even further.
“The opportunity for all Midlands LSIPs to get together at MIRA was enlightening, exciting and thought provoking.
“Unlocking the employer’s voice first and foremost, then translating that into actions and recommendations has taken understanding, based on facts, to a new level. It is a privilege for Shropshire Chamber to lead the Marches LSIP and we are so proud of how our business community has supported the project throughout.”
Adam Whitehouse, founder of TMT First, spoke at the celebration event as an employer who has been part of the LSIP process in the region.
He said: “Attending and speaking at the Midlands LSIP Celebration event was an absolute privilege.
“It was inspiring to see so many dedicated individuals and organisations come together to shape the future of skills development in our region.
“The collaboration and energy on display truly highlight the strength of the Midlands as a hub of innovation and opportunity. I’m proud to have been a part of such an important initiative and look forward to seeing the lasting impact it will have on our local businesses and our current and future workforce talent.”
Pictured (left to right): Lauren Ashford (Hereford and Worcestershire Chamber), Harsh Shah (East Midlands Chamber), Corin Crane (CEO West Midlands & Warwickshire Chamber), Raj Kaur (Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber), Dr Mel Collins (DfE), Ruth Ross (CEO Shropshire Chamber), Katrina Pierce (FSB), Rosie Beswick (Shropshire Chamber)