Stoke-on-Trent & Staffordshire Local Skills Improvement Plan launched after receiving Secretary of State approval

Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Local Skills Improvement Plan on a Laptop

Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce is thrilled to announce the launch of the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) for Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire – a groundbreaking initiative aimed at elevating the region’s workforce skills and bolstering economic growth.

This comprehensive plan has received official approval from the Secretary of State and is set to pave the way for significant advancements in the local business landscape.

Created in collaboration with businesses, training providers and local authorities, the LSIP underscores a commitment to nurturing talent and fostering a competitive edge for businesses in the region.

The LSIP is tailored to address the unique needs of Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire, with a primary focus on key sectors including engineering and manufacturing, construction, advanced logistics, health and social care, decarbonisation and energy distribution. It also explores cross-cutting themes such as green and digital skills, acknowledging the evolving demands of the modern workforce.

Building upon the foundation of this groundbreaking LSIP, a Roadmap for Change has been unveiled. This roadmap charts a strategic course of action designed to tackle the skills challenges head-on and stimulate skills development within the region. The key areas of focus within the Roadmap include:

  • Strengthening coordination and collaboration between businesses and training providers.
  • Creating a simplified and flexible skills system to enhance accessibility.
  • Addressing recruitment challenges and enhancing educational offerings.
  • Developing Skills Growth Maps that delve into cross-cutting themes.
  • Unlocking additional opportunities in apprenticeships.
  • Promoting and fostering best practices in the business community.
  • Supporting career transitions.
  • Advocating for changes at the national level to address structural barriers within the skills system.

The LSIP is a long-term commitment, with plans to extend its impact at least until early 2025. It will undergo annual reviews to ensure its continued relevance and effectiveness in shaping the local skills landscape.

Sara Williams OBE, Staffordshire Chambers CEO, said: “We believe that investing in skills is an investment in our region’s future prosperity.

“The Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Local Skills Improvement Plan, in partnership with businesses and the community, is a testament to our commitment to unlocking the true potential of our workforce. Together, we’re building a brighter, more skilled tomorrow for Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire.”

For those interested in learning more about the Local Skills Improvement Plan for Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire and getting involved in the Roadmap for Change, detailed information can be found here.

This collaborative effort promises to be a game-changer for Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire, positioning the region as a hub of innovation and skill excellence.

Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce invites businesses, organisations, and individuals to join hands in this transformative journey towards a brighter, more prosperous future for all.

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