About us
Bringing business and education together to close the region’s skills gap
At Skills West Midlands + Warwickshire (Skills WM+W), we are dedicated to transforming the region’s skills landscape by fostering a dynamic partnership between local businesses and further education providers, including colleges and independent training providers. Our mission is to simplify your access to high-quality training initiatives, ensuring your workforce possesses the essential technical skills needed to drive innovation and sustainable growth across the West Midlands region.
We exist to bridge the gap between enterprise and education, equipping businesses like yours with the talent and capabilities required to thrive in a competitive market.
Developing the skills needed
to grow the regional economy
Working towards the objectives of the region’s Local Skills Improvement (LSIP), we are taking
strides to tackle skills shortages, driving innovation and community prosperity.
Government initiative
Businesses consulted
Providers on board
For Businesses
Analyse the skill gaps in your workforce and find staff training programmes delivered by local education providers.
For Providers
Promote skills initiatives and communicate directly with employers to better understand their training needs.
What people say
“In terms of an engagement model, it doesn’t matter which college we engage with as long as they’re reasonably local but having one central hub to engage with would be a lot easier. Having a portal where you can go to explore how you can work with colleges and schools would be ideal.”
“It would be good to have an individual local point of contact for FE colleges that would give the insight for all other establishments to find out what they offer and establish a connection to their students.”
“One point of contact across the various colleges that can help partner us up with the right students from the right colleges would be really helpful.
“It would be really useful to have a one stop shop where you can go to get all the information across the colleges regarding what they all offer.”
Employer skills report
This comprehensive analysis delves into the critical skills requirements of employers within priority growth sectors based across the WMW region.
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News + Blogs
Apprentice Wednesday: PTP’s Codi Clarke Achieves Distinction in Her Customer Service Apprenticeship
As PTP continues to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week 2026 through professional development and apprenticeship pathways, we are proud to celebrate the achievements of those who go above and beyond. One such success story is Codi Clarke, who has recently completed...
Interview with BCAA 2025 Winner – PTP’s Harry Brown
Interview with BCAA 2025 Winner Harry Bown A few months on from being named Intermediate Apprentice of the Year at the Black Country Apprenticeship Awards 2025, Harry Bown of The Fairlawns Hotel & Spa is still feeling the impact of the achievement. We at PTP...
From Shop Floor to CEO: Rob Colbourne OBE
Rob Colbourne OBE has spent his life proving the right path isn’t always the most traditional one. At 15, while others encouraged him to remain in sixth form, Rob felt a strong pull toward independence, responsibility, and the chance to earn his own wage. That...
Case Study – Millboard & Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce Training
1. Company Overview Name of Company: Millboard Industry Sector: Manufacturing Millboard, a medium-sized manufacturing company based in Coventry, specialises in high-quality building materials including outside flooring, alternative timber flooring, outdoor living,...
