Employers across Somerset are being invited to be part of a new plan for skills and the workforce of the future as part of the Local Skills Improvement Plan, which was officially launched in Somerset last Wednesday (January 11).
The event, which was held at Taunton and Pickeridge Golf Club, introduced businesses and organisations to the Devon and Somerset Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP).
Employers heard how the LSIP will give them the important opportunity to have their say on the future of the skills provision in Somerset and the skills business needs in the future.
The region’s LSIP is being jointly led by Somerset Chamber of Commerce and Devon & Plymouth Chamber of Commerce in a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” for the region to produce a skilled workforce better matched to the needs of business.
Emma Rawlings, Chief Executive of the Somerset Chamber, said: “Our Local Skills Improvement Plan is all about placing employers at the heart of defining local skills needs, and it is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Somerset and Devon businesses to have their say.
“The in-depth findings of this work will help us to ensure skills delivered by our universities, colleges and training providers match what businesses require for the future.
“We have been hearing the region’s businesses say they are being held back by a lack of skilled staff and the right courses to train existing employees – this plan offers the opportunity for employers to have their say and shape the skills provision of the future.”
The Devon and Somerset LSIP team will work with universities, colleges and training providers to ensure the voice of employers is at the forefront of a skills agenda that meets the needs of our economies.
A series of events and engagement opportunities for early 2023 are being organised by the two Chambers across both counties.
Details will be advertised at the dedicated website https://devonandsomersetlsip.co.uk/ and employers can also get in touch to find out more information about being involved and sign-up for more information.
Together, the two Chambers are the designated Employer Representative Body tasked with developing and delivering the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) for Devon and Somerset. Funded by the Department for Education, one of the first steps is understanding why businesses struggle to recruit and which skills are in short supply.
Employers will be able to have their say on the future skills agenda by attending one of the forums taking place around Somerset:
To find out more or to book your place email: lsip@somerset-chamber.co.uk.
Join Somerset Chamber of Commerce to give your business a stronger voice both locally, regionally and nationally. Combined with local town chambers, we represent over 2,000 businesses across Somerset with a direct line to policy-makers at all levels.
