22 July 2021
Weston College and the West of England Institute of Technology (WEIoT) consortium will partner with Business West, on the brand-new Local Skills Improvement plan Trailblazer (LSIP).
Business West is one of only eight Chambers of Commerce across England that will lead on the new initiative for the region.
The pilot project will seek to align further technical education provision in the greater West of England area more closely with the skills needs of local employers.
First outlined in the Department for Education’s Further Education white paper, the aim of LSIPs is to give employers more of a say over the future skills landscape in their locality and be part of addressing skills gaps.
Dr Paul Phillips CBE, Principal and Chief Executive of the Weston College Group, said:
“We are thrilled to be working with Business West on this exciting project, as our passion for supporting local people access to the skills training, they need, is closely aligned.
“We offer cutting-edge technology and high-quality training, which is really going to benefit local employers throughout the pilot of the LSIP plans. We will provide the necessary training and support, to unlock learner’s potential and access new skills.”
Business West’s Head of Skills, Nicky Williams will spearhead the pilot, which also opens up a share of £65m in competitive grant funding for the region, commented: “Business West is delighted to have been chosen as one of eight Chambers across England to be a trailblazer for the LSIP in the West of England region.
“As a long-term champion of an employer-led education and skills agenda, we will be working closely with employers in the advanced engineering & aerospace and healthcare sectors to shape the future of skills in our region.
“The pilot of LSIPs are a real boost for employers and will help make sure that the provision of technical training meets their future needs.”
