Chambers to deliver Local Skills Improvement Plans in West and North Yorkshire

The two Chambers of Commerce in West & North Yorkshire will lead the development and delivery of two Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs) for the sub-region.

Skills shortages have been frequently cited by local businesses as a significant issue and LSIPs, funded by the Department for Education, aim to put the voice of local employers at the centre of the learning and skills system to build a stronger partnership between employers and further education providers. The aim is to make provision more responsive to employers’ needs.  Several Chambers of Commerce across the country have been chosen by government to lead and deliver the LSIPs programmes in the areas in which they operate.

West & North Yorkshire Chamber, working with Mid Yorkshire Chamber, will deliver for the two sub-regions, working closely with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

West & North Yorkshire’s Policy & Representation Executive, Mike Cartwright, said: “We aim to bring together employers, Colleges, training providers and other stakeholders to set out priorities and changes needed to help ensure post-16 technical education and training is more closely aligned to local employer and labour market needs.  We don’t aim to reinvent the wheel here, and will be looking at a collaborative approach as we move forward to develop successful LSIPs for our areas”.

Jane Gratton, from the British Chambers of Commerce, added: “We are delighted that so many Accredited Chambers have been designated by the Secretary of State. The Chamber Network will use its convening power and deep knowledge of their local economies and communities to develop clear plans to address skills challenges faced by businesses. More than 10,000 businesses were engaged in the eight Chamber-led trailblazers. Building on this learning and success, we will ensure that planning for local skills is aligned with the job opportunities and growth ambitions of employers.”