The two Chambers of Commerce in West and North Yorkshire will lead the development and delivery of two Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs) for the sub-region. The Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, working with West & North Yorkshire Chamber, will deliver the LSIPs for the two sub-regions, working closely with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority.
Skills shortages have been frequently cited by local businesses as a significant issue and LSIPs, funded by the Department for Education, aim to put the voice of local employers at the centre of the learning and skills system to build a stronger partnership between employers and further education providers. The aim is to make provision more responsive to employers’ needs.
Several Chambers of Commerce across the country have been chosen by government to lead and deliver the LSIPs programmes in the areas in which they operate.
Martin Hathaway, managing director at the Mid Yorkshire Chamber, said: “We look forward to speaking to businesses across the area to find out what their future skills needs are, and how we can make sure that our residents have these skills to better protect the future of our region.
“Ensuring we can develop our people from the early days of their careers and learning is vital to help them and our areas prosper for years to come.
“I am keen to start conversations with our businesses, local authorities, colleges, education providers and our young people to ensure we are maximising the opportunities for successful LSIPs.”
West & North Yorkshire’s policy and representation executive, Mike Cartwright, added: “We aim to bring together employers, colleges, training providers and other stakeholders to set out priorities and changes needed to help ensure post-16 technical education and training is more closely aligned to local employer and labour market needs. We don’t aim to reinvent the wheel here, and will be looking at a collaborative approach as we move forward to develop successful LSIPs for our areas”.
Jane Gratton, from the British Chambers of Commerce, added: “We are delighted that so many Accredited Chambers have been designated by the Secretary of State. The Chamber Network will use its convening power and deep knowledge of their local economies and communities to develop clear plans to address skills challenges faced by businesses. More than 10,000 businesses were engaged in the eight Chamber-led trailblazers. Building on this learning and success, we will ensure that planning for local skills is aligned with the job opportunities and growth ambitions of employers.”
The Mid Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce is accredited by the British Chambers of Commerce and supports businesses across the Halifax, Huddersfield and Wakefield districts.
