Minister for Skills, Baroness Jacqui Smith has been in Birmingham meeting representatives involved in the West Midlands Local Skills Improvement Plan including Solihull College & University Centre Principal Dr Rebecca Gater.
The visit was to celebrate the start of development for the second round of Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs) and launch of the new statutory guidance by Skills England to steer the process in a bid to bridge skills gaps across the region.
The guidance recognises the critical role of higher and further education in the skills system. Universities will work alongside colleges and independent training providers to ensure provision meets local labour market needs and supports people at all levels – from entry into work through to postgraduate qualifications.
The meeting was to discuss how to bridge the skills gap, and how to get local skills provision right, to help unlock national economic growth and the earning potential of millions of people across the country, including here in the West Midlands and Warwickshire.
Minister for Skills, Baroness Jacqui Smith, says: “Local businesses and communities know best what skills they need to succeed. New Local Skills Improvement Plans will put employers, educators and authorities at the heart of identifying skills gaps and delivering the training that matters most to their area. By tailoring skills training to local needs, we will break down barriers to opportunity and help businesses and communities across England thrive.”
LSIPs will be a key part of helping deliver the Government’s ambition for two-thirds of young people to participate in higher level learning – either academic, technical, or an apprenticeship – by the age of 25.
Principal of Solihull College & University Centre, Dr Rebecca Gater, said: “LSIPs have transformed the way colleges and employers work together, fostering genuine collaboration to tackle skills gaps. We are delighted to support the second round of LSIPs and refreshed guidance, which will build on this partnership approach and deliver even greater impact for our communities.
Mayor of the West Midlands, Richard Parker, said: “The best way to deliver positive action for local people is by making decisions locally. This principle sits right at the heart of my West Midlands Growth Plan and West Midlands Works ambitions. Employers are the lifeblood of our skills ecosystem. By strengthening relationships with them and responding to the challenges they face, we can get more people into good jobs and unleash the full potential of our region.?I look forward to continuing to work with partners on the recommendations and delivery of LSIPs, drive growth in our region, and make it the best place to do business, live, learn and work.”
Chair of Skills West Midlands and Warwickshire Suzie Branch-Haddow says: “LSIPs are enabling the FE sector to strengthen collaboration with the business community – helping us to further understand and respond to regional skills needs. Their tangible impact can be seen in how FE providers, both colleges and independent training providers, have come together to offer a unified, branded service that provides employers with a clear, single point of access – a request made by businesses in the LSIP research. By simplifying the landscape and delivering a shared service to businesses,?we’re?living our commitment:?Our Business is Your Business.
The second round of LSIPs are due to be approved and published by Summer 2026.
