Launch of pioneering LEP Skills Plan

It is anticipated there will be over 500,000 job opportunities within the next decade in the Leeds City Region and to ensure all skills opportunities are maximised, the Leeds City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has developed a Skills Plan for 2013 – 2015.

The Skills Plan will deliver one of the LEP’s core strategic objectives of creating a skilled and flexible workforce to support improved productivity and jobs growth.

The priorities within the plan have been endorsed by the Government’s Skills Minister, Matthew Hancock MP, as well as the Leeds City Region LEP, Employment and Skills Panel and Skills Network.

The plan has been developed following extensive consultation with key stakeholders including over 1,600 employers, all local authorities and skills providers. The plan will support future growth in key sectors by addressing three major challenges:

  1. Building skills in education
  2. Transition into work
  3. Raising demand and improving skills

Roger Marsh, Chair of the Leeds City Region LEP, has highlighted the role of businesses in delivering the skills plan. He said:

“We must emphasise the role of businesses in setting the pace. Companies need to invest in future skills, offer work placements and real work exposure to young people to inspire and engage them in developing future technologies, products and services.”

“Achieving the highest possible levels of education and skills linked to our economic strengths will ensure we are one of the leading city regions in the country.”

Michele Sutton, Principal of Bradford College and Chair of the Leeds City Region Skills Network, has offered the backing of the area’s 14 FE Colleges, 9 HE Institutions and many other training providers in helping to implement the plan. Local authorities supported by their local employment and skills boards will also play a key role in co-ordinating local delivery.

The LEP’s Employment and Skills Panel, led by Stephanie Burras, will be working closely with Government and the Skills Network to align skills funding with the priorities in the plan over the next three years.