ABOUT US
Skills West Midlands + Warwickshire aims to simplify access to training initiatives by connecting local employers with education providers.
abount us
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 the further education sector 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 and Warwickshire.
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.
Our mission
TO DRIVE BUSINESS GROWTH AND INNOVATION ACROSS THE REGION BY IMPROVING THE PROVISION OF ESSENTIAL TECHNICAL SKILLS IN THE WORKFORCE.
We achieve this by fostering dynamic collaboration between local employers and further education providers, reshaping the technical skills system to align precisely with the real needs of businesses and raise awareness of the readily available training support, ultimately equipping local businesses with the talent they need to thrive.
Our Vision & Values
Our vision is a region where businesses have seamless access to the skilled talent they need for growth and innovation. This is underpinned by our core values:
Professional
Upholding the highest standards of service and expertise in all our interactions.
Collaborative
Fostering strong partnerships and mutual support across the business and education communities.
Innovative
Embracing creativity and forward-thinking solutions to address complex skills challenges.
Connected
Placing people and local communities at the heart of all our initiatives.
Considerate
Actively listening to stakeholder needs and providing tailored, responsive support.
OUR OBJECTIVES
- Identify local skill needs: Consult with employers to pinpoint the skills most needed to support local growth.
- Drive economic growth: Give a boost to the local economy by helping businesses tackle skills shortages.
- Respond to changes in demand: Regularly review the skills system to ensure it meets changes in local skill needs.
DRIVING REGIONAL GROWTH AND PROSPERITY
Skills WM+W offers programs and support across key growth sectors critical to our region’s economy, delivered through the expertise of local colleges and other providers:
- Engineering + Manufacturing: Including aerospace, health technology, medical technology, and electric vehicles/batteries.
- Construction: Focusing on modern methods of construction, low-carbon utility projects, and future housing manufacturing.
- Logistics + Distribution: Covering warehousing, transportation management, and supply chain optimisation.
- Digital + ICT: Supporting skills for health and social care, professional services, and creative industries.
- Net Sero: Developing skills crucial for climate adaptation and the transition to a net-zero economy.