LSIP acting to make skills support accessible to employers

Backed by a full house at its forthcoming quarterly forum and strong interest in its series of podcasts, the LSIP has also launched its latest round of thematic working groups, pushing ahead on next steps and evaluation.

Hannah Crookes, HEY LSIP Project Lead, said: “We've spent considerable time listening to employers and understanding the skills challenges they face.

"One of the main messages coming through is that there is already a great deal of positive activity taking place. The opportunity is to connect that more effectively, identify where gaps remain and ensure that employers are at the heart of shaping future provision.

"We also recognise that businesses, particularly smaller employers, don't always have the time or resources to engage with multiple initiatives. Making the skills system easier to navigate and creating more accessible opportunities for businesses to get involved will be an important part of our work."

Each working group will examine one of the LSIP’s key themes, with a call going out for more employers to share their experience and expertise.

With Technical Skills, the focus will include strengthening the flow of information between employers and training providers, identifying opportunities for more flexible and responsive training, and exploring how businesses can work together to address shared skills shortages. Emerging technologies, digital skills, sustainability and leadership and management will remain important considerations.

The Preparation for Working Life group will explore how employers can provide more frequent and meaningful workplace experiences, moving beyond traditional work placements to include workplace visits, employer-led projects, mentoring and other forms of engagement. Improving employability skills, careers awareness and progression opportunities for those facing barriers to employment will also remain priorities.

For the Educational Workforce, the next stage will look at strengthening connections between industry and education, including opportunities for teaching professionals to gain practical industry experience, employers to share their expertise within education settings and collaborative approaches to continuing professional development. This will also include considering how to attract more industry professionals into teaching and training roles.

The Knowledge Point group will concentrate on making skills information and support easier for employers to access, including clearer guidance on training provision, funding and opportunities for workforce development. It will also explore how information can be shared more effectively across the region, reducing duplication and helping businesses find the support most relevant to their needs.

Hannah said: "Employer involvement is central to everything we do, and we're always keen to hear from businesses of all sizes and sectors.

"You don't need to have all the answers or be involved in every meeting. Sometimes simply sharing the challenges your business faces, or highlighting an approach that has worked well, can help shape solutions that benefit others."

The next LSIP forum will be another full house, with a waiting list in place for anyone else who wants to join. It will take place on Monday November 16 at Hull College and will focus on the “Greenwave” training centre. Other discussions will look at the opportunities around Shared Apprenticeships, an overview of Connect to Work, and the LSIP’s future plans including pan-Humber activities.

The forum will be followed by the recording of the second HEY LSIP podcast at The Hull Studio at the Maltings in Hull. The first session featured Sam Hind, Group Training Manager for Humber Construction Training Group, and Kevin Goodger, Group Executive Director of Apprenticeships at TEC Partnership.

LSIP Chair Phil Ascough asked the questions and subjects included the announcement of additional funding for apprenticeships, changes to apprenticeships, including the levy and end-point assessments, the rising demand for apprentice placements and the obstacles facing employers.

Among future topics being considered is the impact of artificial intelligence and automation on the skills employees will need and how businesses and educators can keep pace with technological developments.

Rod Chambers, the LSIP’s Project Manager, said: “We have listened to the voice of smaller – especially micro – businesses about the pressures on their time during the working day, and the challenges they face in unpicking the complexities of the skills ecosystem.

“The podcasts will help SMEs understand the impact and opportunities of new skills policies and announcements, and the format means they are available for people to listen in when it’s convenient for them.”

The podcasts will be shared through the LSIP’s website and social media channels. 

[Photo: the podcast panel - Phil Ascough, Sam Hind and Kevin Goodger.]