The findings and recommendations from an in-depth business consultation conducted by the five Chambers of Commerce in the Liverpool City Region have been released today, with the publication of the Liverpool City Region Local Skills Improvement Plan.
The report outlines the findings of an extensive research project, which ran over seven months and took in the views of over 1120 research and engagement touchpoints with businesses in Liverpool City Region, to create a set of key recommendations around skills and training delivery in the region.
The Local Skills Improvement Plan aims to place employers at the centre of the skills system, and shine a spotlight on the skills employers need most in the workplace, but are struggling to find locally.
The recommendations and roadmap outlined in the plan will now be used by local Colleges and Independent Training Providers to inform how they shape their provision, working in partnership with the Liverpool City Region Employment and Skills Board, who will become the main strategic forum to secure achievement of actions across all partners.
Paul Cherpeau, Chief Executive at Liverpool Chamber, commented:
“Liverpool Chamber’s participation in the LSIP process has built upon our ongoing conversations with businesses about their future labour demand and importance of developing, attracting and keeping talent within our city region.
“The participation and centrality of employers within the skills development systems is fundamentally important, enacting a crucial partnership with our education institutions and providers. It is a partnership we look forward to cultivating and supporting in the period ahead.”
Tracy Mawson, Chief Executive at St Helens Chamber, commented:
“A great amount of work has gone into creating the Local Skills Improvement Plan and I would like to thank all the businesses across the region who supported the research.
“Their valuable insight is pivotal to the success of the Plan, which aims to deliver changes to meet their priorities around skills and training, and ensure they have access to a workforce with the skills needed to support economic growth in the Region.
“A key theme that came out of many of the engagements with businesses was a desire from employers for young people to gain experience and employability skills, alongside technical knowledge. They were also keen to identify short courses that upskill current employees in new techniques.
“The report outlines a two-year roadmap that will see recommendations implemented as early as December this year and continuing to be actioned through to June 2025, by which time I’m confident we will have a local skills system that better serves the needs of local businesses.”
The Local Skills Improvement Plan can be read here: https://www.lcrchambersofcommerce.co.uk/localskillsimprovementplans
A skills event will be held in the Autumn providing an opportunity for businesses, colleges and training providers to get together and discuss the priorities and recommendations outlined in the Plan. Details will be available soon from your local Chamber.
Any businesses that wish to get involved with shaping the local skills provision, or finding the training that is right for them should contact their local Chamber of Commerce.