Employers lead the way as LSIP sets out strategy to meet skills challenges

Employers from a wide range of sectors pooled their experience around training and recruitment to help the Hull and East Yorkshire Local Skills Improvement Plan (HEY LSIP) shape its next proposal to the government for the future of skills development in the region.

Businesses from all sectors were represented and fed back on the challenges facing employers within the key themes of technical skills, the education workforce, preparation for working life and knowledge and information sharing.

Speakers from HEY Business Growth & Skills Hub, the Tigers Trust and the Humber Learning Consortium told of the innovative approaches being adopted to address the issues.

Luke Campbell, the Mayor of the Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority, joined the session at the MKM Stadium and spoke informally to some of the delegates. 

Hannah Crookes, Project Lead for the LSIP, said the Mayor reported that he found the event valuable in terms of hearing first-hand from employers and receiving an update on the LSIP’s progress as it works towards shared ownership between the Chamber, as the Employer Representative Body, and the new Mayoral Combined Authority.

Employers will receive another update when the LSIP presents the final draft of its proposals at an online forum on Monday 23 March. The event will be the last opportunity to comment before the document is submitted to Skills England on Friday 27 March.

Hannah said: “Whilst we work towards joint ownership, and considering what skills the Combined Authority needs to meet its priorities for growth, we are continuing to ensure that the employer voice is at the heart of our approach to our new LSIP.

“It was fantastic to see yet another high turnout at our forum, with representatives across private, public, third and educational sectors. As always our events provide an opportunity for two way conversations, sharing ideas and identifying solutions to challenges being faced.

“As outlined at the event, HEY LSIP 2.0 will place a strong emphasis on responding to pan-sector challenges that cut across industries, and on supporting the educational workforce to deliver the skills employers need now and in the future.

“It will also strengthen preparation for working life, ensuring learners are equipped with the knowledge of local opportunities and understand the skills needed for when they enter the world of work. In addition it will improve how we share knowledge, intelligence and insights to inform decision-making, avoid duplication and support employers navigate our skills system.”

Hannah added that bookings so far indicate strong interest again for the online forum.

She said: “The session will outline our proposed priorities and explore how partners can work together to deliver meaningful impact. The development of HEY LSIP 2.0 has been very much a collaborative effort with the focus of employers at the heart of its development. Their perspective and experience will be invaluable as we ensure LSIP 2.0 remains responsive, practical and rooted in employer voice.”

The online forum will take place from 10am until 11am on Monday 23 March. To register visit https://www.heylsip.com/