Business Advice
“ Not only does the LSIP recognise the needs of employers now through the actions it recommends, it also ensures that employers will continue inform changing skills needs over the coming months and years. With the rapid growth in AI and the rapidly changing skills needs that come with it, that employer voice will be essential to make sure the skills provision in Lancashire meets those needs.
“ Although the work to produce this plan is done, the hard work starts now, working in close collaboration with local partners to deliver on the recommendations through all levels of the system from essential skills, vocational training and adult skills, right through to higher education. With plenty of ongoing activity in skills and careers, it is vital that employers continue to get involved with the LSIP to ensure there needs are met.”
Employer Representative Bodies and Strategic Authorities followed statutory guidance published last November by Skills England- which explains how key players will work together to plug local skills gaps- when developing the new LSIPs.
The plans have collaboration hard-wired into them, so actions committed to with universities, colleges and independent training providers are not just aspirational- they are mutually agreed.
LSIPs also recognise that skills devolution cannot work in isolation – as getting local skills provision right is vital for unlocking national growth. They will have an important role to play with delivering the Government’ s ambition for two-thirds of young people to participate in higher level learning- either academic, technical, or an apprenticeship- by the time they are aged 25.
Phil Smith, Chair of Skills England, said:
“ The Local Skills Improvement Plans give areas a clear roadmap that will help create better skills for better jobs all across the country.
These LSIPs, alongside the emerging sector jobs plans and the other stakeholder dialogues we are having, is helping us build a much better picture of the skills needs throughout the nation.
Skills England is excited to play a key role in that journey, so that employers and learners can benefit in local communities.”
Jacqui Smith, Minister for Skills said:
“ For too long too many people have been locked out of opportunity, and businesses have struggled to recruit the skilled staff they need to build their workforce.
“ Local leaders have a unique insight into the skills needs and opportunities in their area, which is why we are putting them in the driving seat to support their community.
“ Our reforms, including to the Growth and Skills Levy and the Youth Guarantee, will build a workforce prepared for the demands of today as well as the jobs of tomorrow.”
If you would like to find out more about getting involved with the work of the Lancashire LSIP contact geoffm @ lancashirelsip. co. uk.
lancschamber. co. uk 31