Effective workforce development is built on informed decisions. This page provides direct access to key regional and national resources that can significantly enhance your strategic planning, helping you understand the skills landscape and identify optimal training opportunities for your business.

The Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP), approved in May 2023, is the definitive employer-led strategy for skills development in our region. It outlines the critical skills needed for economic growth and guides how local colleges and training providers align their offerings to meet these demands. The LSIP provides a clear roadmap for where skills are needed most, enabling you to strategically align your staff training with future demands. It highlights key areas like Digital Skills, Green Skills, and Leadership + Management, alongside priority growth sectors such as Engineering & Manufacturing, Construction, Logistics & Distribution, and Digital & ICT. Understanding these priorities can directly inform your investment in employee development.

• WMCA Plan for Growth: Understand the broader economic strategy and vision shaping the West Midlands.
• Skills for Jobs White Paper: Delve into the national policy framework guiding skills development and vocational training.
• WMCA Local Skills Report 2022: Gain detailed analysis and insights into the specific skills landscape and requirements within our region.
• WMCA Digital Roadmap: Explore the key skills and strategies essential for supporting digitisation and technological advancement in the regional economy.

By leveraging these resources, you can ensure your workforce development initiatives are well-informed, strategic, and directly contribute to your business’s success and the region’s prosperity.

Here are some common questions businesses ask us…

What is Skills West Midlands + Warwickshire (Skills WM+W)?

Skills WM+W is a collaborative partnership designed to bridge the gap between local employers and further education providers. Our mission is to simplify your access to high-quality training initiatives, ensuring your workforce gains the essential technical skills needed for innovation and sustainable growth across the region.

How can Skills WM+W help my business?

We provide a streamlined platform to:

• Identify and address your specific skills gaps.
• Connect you with local colleges and training providers offering tailored programmes.
• Help you understand and navigate various qualification types and funding options.
• Provide access to valuable labour market insights and strategic resources.

How can I find suitable training for my staff?

Our intuitive Training Provider Directory allows you to search for and browse local training providers. You can filter by industry, location, and training level, and each provider profile includes contact information, case studies, and user reviews to help you make informed decisions.

How do you ensure training is relevant to my business needs?

Our approach is employer-led. We actively work to build strong relationships between businesses and training providers, and our efforts are guided by the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP), which is based on extensive consultations with local employers to ensure training directly addresses market needs.

What is the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) and how does it affect my business?

The LSIP for West Midlands + Warwickshire (approved May 2023) is a comprehensive plan developed from employer consultations. It’s designed to make the skills system more responsive to business needs. It identifies key areas for skills development (Digital, Green, Leadership + Management) and priority growth sectors (Engineering & Manufacturing, Construction, Logistics & Distribution, Digital & ICT), helping you align your training investments strategically. [LINK]

What types of training programmes are available through your network?

Our network offers a wide range of qualifications and programmes, including:

• Apprenticeships (from Level 2 to Level 7/degree-level)
• Skills Bootcamps (intensive, short-term training)
• Vocational Qualifications (eg, BTECs, City & Guilds)
• Short Courses & Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
• Higher National Certificates (HNCs) / Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) & Foundation Degrees

Are apprenticeships only for new hires?

No, apprenticeships are a highly effective tool for upskilling and reskilling existing staff. Current employees can undertake apprenticeships to gain new qualifications, adapt to changing roles, or progress their careers, often leading to improved motivation and retention. There is no upper age limit.

How are apprenticeships funded?

Apprenticeship funding depends on whether your business pays the Apprenticeship Levy.

Levy Payers: Your Apprenticeship Levy funds can fully cover training costs for new and existing staff. It’s a “use it or lose it” system, so utilising it is key.

Non-Levy Payers: The government typically funds 95% of the apprenticeship training costs, with your business contributing the remaining 5%.

Are there any grants for apprenticeships?

Yes, for all employers (levy and non-levy payers), if you take on an apprentice aged 16-18, their training is fully funded by the government, and you will also receive an additional £1,000 grant.

What commitment is required from my employee during an apprenticeship?

Your apprentice will typically dedicate one day a week towards their training, which can include online learning, projects, or college masterclasses. Most of the professional training and assessment is carried out “on-the-job” within your workplace, supported by regular check-ins with an Assessor Trainer.

What is an End-Point Assessment (EPA) for apprenticeships?

The EPA is the final stage of an apprenticeship, led by an independent End-Point Assessor, usually carried out in your workplace over a few weeks. It evaluates whether your apprentice has developed the knowledge, skills, and behaviours outlined in their Apprenticeship Standard.

What are Skills Bootcamps?

Skills Bootcamps are intensive, short-term (typically 12-15 weeks, part-time) training programmes designed to rapidly equip individuals with in-demand skills. They are part-funded by national and regional government and are excellent for quickly boosting productivity, driving innovation, and attracting/retaining talent.

Are Skills Bootcamps funded?

Yes, Skills Bootcamps are part-funded by the Department for Education and the West Midlands Combined Authority, making them a cost-effective training solution compared to traditional programmes.

Where can I find more information on regional labour market trends?

You can access useful resources like the WMCA Local Skills Report 2022 and the WMCA Digital Roadmap, which provide detailed insights into the regional skills landscape and economic trends on our Labour Market Information page.