Local Skills Improvement Plan


Skills, growth and productivity: plan plays a critical role


T e economy is at a pivotal moment. T e South Midlands plays a critical role in the local and national economy, with strengths in logistics and transport, advanced manufac- turing and engineering, food and drink, construction and retrofi t, health and social care, and professional and digital services. Yet despite this strong base, skills shortages remain one of the most frequently cited barriers to business growth. Employers report persistent vacancies, difficulties


recruiting ‘work-ready’ staff, and uncertainty about how to access the right training at the right time. T ese pressures are not new – but they are becoming more acute as businesses adapt to automation, net zero, digitalisation and changing workforce expectations. T is is the context for Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) 2.0 in the South Midlands.


What is happening locally? Labour-market intelligence and employer engagement show that demand for skills in the South Midlands is both broad and deep. Logistics and warehousing continue to grow, driven by the South Midlands’ strategic location. Manufacturing and engineering employers require increasingly advanced technical capability, whilst construction faces rising demand linked to housing, infrastructure and retrofit. Health and social care remains the largest employer by headcount, with ongoing recruitment and progression challenges. Alongside technical roles, employers consistently


highlight shortages in supervisory capability, digital confi dence, leadership, communication and problem- solving skills. These cross-cutting skills are critical to productivity but are often overlooked in traditional sector discussions. Insights from the South Midlands Growth Hub reinforce


a clear message from businesses: the issue is not simply the number of courses available, but how well skills provision aligns with real business need, location and operating pressures.


ALL THINGS BUSINESS | 12


EDUCATION


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