Q&A with Matt Tudge: How the LSIP gives employers in Aerospace & Social Care more say in the future skills landscape

Author
Chloe Stockwell
SKILLS - Project & Events Manager (LSIP) | Business West
1st February 2022

Business West Chambers of Commerce have been appointed by government to help develop a trailblazer plan, that will give employers more of a say over the future skills landscape.

“I don't know of anything else that has put employers so at the heart of planning in the short, medium, and long term for education and training.”

Matt, tell us about the Local Skills Improvement Plan.

The Local Skills Improvement Plan is one of eight national Trailblazers, funded by the Department for Education and ran through the Chambers of Commerce. It's a once in a generation opportunity to shape education and training provision to reflect the needs and the desires of the businesses in our area.

What is our area?

Our project covers a patch called the West of England Plus. This is a patch stretching from Gloucester in the north to Yeovil in the south and incorporates the entire West of England area, including Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire.

Can you tell me about the sectors you’re involved with?

We are focusing in this first phase of the LSIP for the region on two wider sectors, one is Aerospace and Advanced Engineering. We have an internationally significant cluster here, hence why we've chosen it! And the other one, almost as a counterpoint, is the social care sector. Both of these sectors have been affected by turmoil caused by a number of factors recently.

We think that they're both areas where we can provide some real granular information on how these sectors have changed, and how they'll need to change in the future.

The government is putting in many millions of pounds into skills over the next four years, how important is this project to that?

This is vitally important; this is the body for ensuring that employers get the training and education they require from technical post-16 providers. The government have said that we need to replicate other parts around the globe and how they engage with businesses, and how they reflect how quickly the landscape is changing.

I'm confident the LSIP is setting a precedent for all business engagement going forwards. And once we finish this pilot, I think we'll be looking into more sectors. I think we'll be looking into more regions.

Now, Matt, what help do you need immediately to help you along the way here?

It's a very simple request. We want to talk to any business in the aerospace and social care sectors that needs staff, that needs to upskill their existing staff, that has problems recruiting, or that doesn't have problems recruiting. We believe this will change the way education and training provision occurs nationally going forward.

What is the next step from there, once you get that information?

We’re putting together a report for the Department for Education, along with the other seven trailblazers. We believe this will change the way education and training provision occurs nationally going forward. So, we, as the Chambers, will continue to engage with businesses.

We have a wider skills team that can help to support businesses through a range of services. But the information captured through the LSIP activity will guide central government policy on education and training provision into the long-term future.

So, this is very much a unique project. I don't know of anything else that has put employers so at the heart of planning in the short, medium, and long term for education and training.

 

Do you work in one of the relevant sectors to the LSIP? Are you keen to have your say and  help shape the future skills landscape? 

You can get involved with the LSIP by contacting Matt or visiting the LSIP portal. We’re here to help you voice your opinion and get the support you need for business growth and workforce development.

More information about the West of England Plus LSIP.

Do you want to join the conversation?

Sign up here
  • Learn more about LSIPs

    Find out more and get involved with the Business West Local Skills Improvement Plans