A Successful Year for the Local Skills Improvement Plan

Essex, Southend, and Thurrock Local Skills Improvement Plan Demonstrates Significant Progress in June 2024

The Essex Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) in conjunction with the Essex Chambers of Commerce is pleased to announce significant progress in the implementation of the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP), a key initiative aimed at aligning skills provision with the needs of local employers. The June 2024 progress report highlights the progress that we have made since September 2023, including key achievements, ongoing initiatives, and future priorities that will continue to drive economic growth and enhance employment opportunities in the region.

Key Achievements:

• Enhanced Employer Engagement: We have strengthened partnerships with local businesses, ensuring that the skills being taught align with industry needs. Over 500 local businesses have actively participated in the development and refinement of the Essex LSIP, providing valuable insights into the skills required for emerging sectors, including green energy, digital technology, and advanced manufacturing.
• Partnerships with Educational Institutions: The Essex LSIP has successfully fostered partnerships between employers and local educational institutions, resulting in the creation of new courses tailored to meet the region’s evolving workforce needs. Colleges have already changed their provision to include a wider focus on Soft Skills and Behaviours. The qualification skills gap analysis is scheduled for review in the 4th quarter of 2024.
• Support for SMEs: Recognising the vital role of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the local economy, the Essex LSIP has helped identify new support measures, including tailored training programs and access to government funding, to help SMEs upskill their workforce and remain competitive.
• Data Dashboard: To support ongoing sector-based development, we will be publishing detailed sector insight information, featuring an embedded live dashboard. This data will provide real-time trend analysis to enhance our focus on improving access to the labour market through the necessary skills.

Ongoing Initiatives:

• Digital Infrastructure: Continued investment in digital infrastructure across Essex, Southend, and Thurrock is a priority to ensure that all communities have access to high-quality digital training and education. This is expected to further close the digital skills gap and provide new opportunities for remote working and online learning.
• Citizen Engagement: The Essex LSIP is intensifying efforts to engage its citizens, with a focus on accessibility for all and promoting careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields.
• Green Skills Development: As the region moves towards a greener economy, the Essex LSIP is working closely with employers in the renewable energy sector to develop specialized training programs that will equip the local workforce with the skills needed for the green jobs of the future.

Quotes:

Joanne Giles, Essex LSIP Director, stated:

“Today we are happy to share the progress we have made since September 2023. Our ongoing efforts are meticulously aligned with the skills you require.

“These achievements reflect our commitment to creating a dynamic and inclusive skills ecosystem that benefits both individuals, industry and the broader community.

“We are committed to advocating for your needs with both central and local government, collaborating with our providers to develop and deliver solutions that address the specific needs of the county.

“Your business voice is central to the initiatives being implemented by the new government. By engaging with Essex Chambers of Commerce and participating in our LSIP professional discussions and sector skills groups, your input becomes the driving force for change and will be heard at the highest levels of government.

“We look forward to building on this success in the coming years”

Denise Rossiter, Chief Executive, Essex Chambers of Commerce, added:

“We’re thrilled to be able to share this report, setting out the progress of the Essex LSIP so far. Right from the outset, we have been clear that this is about putting business at the forefront and ensuring that the original LSIP report delivers for Essex.

“This report is primarily for businesses and wider stakeholders to keep you informed and to reassure you that real change is happening. A huge thank you to everyone involved so far, we couldn’t do it without you and together we are making a difference!”

The Minister for Skills, The Rt Hon Baroness Smith of Malvern, said:

“I welcome the publication of the Local Skills Improvement Plan Progress Report for Essex, Southend and Thurrock.

“These reports set out progress made on meeting the skills needs of local employers. As well as being a valuable source of information for local skills deliverers, employers and stakeholders, the reports along with the LSIPs themselves, will provide important intelligence for the newly established Skills England.”

Looking Ahead:

The LSIP for Essex, Southend, and Thurrock remains committed to building a resilient, skilled workforce that can meet the demands of the local economy. Future priorities include expanding partnerships with industry leaders, enhancing the accessibility of training programs for all citizens, and continuing to adapt the plan to address emerging economic trends.

To view the Report and accompanying Action plan visit www.essexchambers.co.uk/lsip/lsip-report/

Read more of our Latest News stories.