LEP asks for help to plug skills gap
A MAJOR project to establish how to bridge the skills gap and arm workers for the future economic landscape is being launched by the Humber Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP).
It is no secret our region has some of the lowest levels of formal qualifications in the UK, leaving some employers struggling to recruit.
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panel: From left, Nina Stobart, of Phillips 66 and the Business Education And Enterprise Partnership (Beep), Sam Whitaker, of Esteem, Kevin Childs, of Novartis and Beep, Nik Dakin MP and head of skills commision and Humber Local Enterprise Partnership chairman Lord Haskins.
Hull also has some of the highest levels of unemployment in the UK, so there are more than enough people to fill each vacant position, they are just not equipped with the right skills.
With huge investments such as Green Port Hull on the horizon, it is set to become even more of a problem. Now, local businesses and training organisations are being asked what they need from employees to plug the skills gap.
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A key aim of the project will be to secure cash from the Government to help shape the local curriculum and training programmes, meaning learning will be tailored specifically to our area.
And in an unusual, yet logical twist, people who are unsuccessfully trying to find work or training will be asked what they need to help arm them for future careers.
The Humber LEP's Skills Commission has been tasked with thrashing out a solution of how education and training provision can ensure the local workforce meets the needs of businesses.
The commission, which is being chaired by Scunthorpe MP Nic Dakin, met at Winifred Holtby School to launch the initiative.
Mr Dakin said: "There is already a lot of work relating to skills and training taking place across the Humber region, however we know there's still more to do.
"With the Siemens development on the north bank and Able UK on the south bank, there are going to be huge opportunities to get jobs in the renewables industry, for example. Therefore, we have to make sure we have the relevant skills in place and the capacity to deliver.
"It is a big opportunity but it is also a big challenge.
"We know there are employers across the Humber region struggling to recruit the right skills, so we need them to tell us what they need."
Other members of the commission include Lord Haskins, chairman of the Humber LEP, representatives of major local employers, key agencies and representatives of schools and colleges.
They now want to hear from local businesses, education and training providers, as well as from people who have struggled to access training that would help them to find work.
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