Local Labour Information
Research into labour market trends and policy relating to regional skills provision.
revitalising our regional skills
In the West Midlands + Warwickshire, we are committed to revitalising our regional skills system to directly address workforce gaps and enhance productivity. Our aim is to ensure that the talent pipeline aligns seamlessly with the evolving demands of your business.
We understand that skills shortages can be a significant impediment to growth, with a notable number of regional vacancies proving challenging to fill. Despite the availability of local training resources, many businesses have yet to fully leverage partnerships with further education providers. Our objective is to simplify your access to high-quality training initiatives and cultivate a culture of continuous learning within your organisation. This involves fostering stronger collaborations between employers and local colleges, while also supporting your existing and future employees with access to relevant skills, training resources, and local employment opportunities.
Tackling the region's skills gap
Skills shortages have been identified as one of the main barriers to productivity and growth in the regional economy. The data also shows that access to training support through further and technical education providers is limited. Our goal is to bridge the gap between local enterprise and the further education system so that businesses can develop the skills and people needed to thrive.
%
%
Local Enterprises
supporting the West Midlands and Warwickshire economy
1 in 4 regional vacancies
considered ‘hard to fill’ due to skill shortages in labour market
of local businesses
haven’t worked with a further education provider in the last 5 years
ongoing investment
to support the region’s Local Skills Improvement Plan
Tackling the region's skills gap
Skills shortages have been identified as one of the main barriers to productivity and growth in the regional economy. The data also shows that access to training support through further and technical education providers is limited. Our goal is to bridge the gap between local enterprise and the further education system so that businesses can develop the skills and people needed to thrive.
Local Enterprises
supporting the West Midlands and Warwickshire economy
%
1 in 4 regional vacancies
considered ‘hard to fill’ due to skill shortages in labour market
%
of local businesses
haven’t worked with a further education provider in the last 5 years
ongoing investment
to support the region’s Local Skills Improvement Plan
THE LOCAL SKILLS IMPROVEMENT PLAN (LSIP)
A pivotal development in this effort is the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) for the West Midlands and Warwickshire, which was approved in May 2023. This comprehensive plan is the result of extensive labour market research and invaluable consultations with over a thousand employers across the region. The LSIP is designed to make our skills system more responsive and relevant to your business needs, ensuring that local colleges are delivering the training most critical for regional economic growth.
The LSIP identifies three key areas for skills development:
- Digital Skills: Equipping your workforce with essential technological proficiencies.
- Green Skills: Preparing your business for a sustainable future through eco-conscious practices and knowledge.
- Leadership + Management: Cultivating strong leadership within your organisation to drive efficiency and innovation.
Furthermore, the LSIP prioritises growth in vital sectors, recognising their crucial role in our regional economy: Engineering and Manufacturing, Construction, Logistics and Distribution and Digital and ICT.
By understanding these strategic priorities, you can align your staff training and development with the most impactful areas for your business and the region. The local further education sector is integral to delivering these specialised programs, providing accessible and effective pathways for your employees to acquire these critical skills.
RESOURCES to INFORM DECISIONs
To further assist your strategic planning, we offer access to valuable insights and reports on regional skills and economic trends. These resources can help you make informed decisions about your workforce development initiatives and identify opportunities for collaboration with local training providers:
Understand the broader economic strategy for the West Midlands.
Delve into national policy guiding skills development.
Gain detailed insights into the regional skills landscape.
Key skills for supporting digitisation in the regional economy.
We encourage you to explore our Training Provider Directory to connect with certified local training providers who can help you implement these strategic skills development initiatives within your business.
Find Training
Ready to take the first steps in your skills journey by finding a suitable training provider? Access our directory to browse a list of certified providers in your area.
