We are working to revamp the region’s skills system, simplifying access to training initiatives and creating a culture of lifelong learning that encourages individuals to continually develop new skills. While our work focuses on bringing employers together with training providers, we also support individual learners with access to skills and training resources as well as local employment opportunities, ensuring that the provision of skills in the region is aligned with the key gaps in the workforce.

In May 2023, the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) for the West Midlands and Warwickshire was approved by the Secretary of State, setting out a regional roadmap for improving the provision of technical skills in the workforce.

Drawing on a vast body of labour market research and consultations with over one thousand employers, the plan takes stock of the region’s skills system and proposes a series of reforms to make it more responsive to the needs of local businesses.

Crucially, the plan gives employers an opportunity to voice their training and skill needs, helping to align provision more closely with gaps in the labour market and equipping the regional workforce with the key skills for driving innovation and growth.

To unlock the region’s potential, the plan sets out three focus areas for skills development:

Along with these essential skills, the plan also identifies the following sectors as priority areas for growth: engineering and manufacturing; construction; logistics and distribution; and digital and ICT.

By bringing businesses and training providers together, we are working towards the objectives set out in the LSIP, helping local employers overcome present skills shortages while also taking full advantage of the opportunities that come with digitisation and the transition to net zero.