Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce (TVCC) has welcomed the publication of the new Local Skills Improvement Plans for Berkshire and Oxfordshire, following their approval by the Secretary of State. Developed by TVCC through extensive employer engagement, the plans reflect the strengthening links between businesses, education providers and skills partners, ensuring local training provision is increasingly responsive to workforce needs across the region.
Paul Britton, CEO, TVCC, said:
“The publication of both the Berkshire and Oxfordshire Local Skills Improvement Plans is a significant moment for our region. These plans represent the collective voice of employers and provide a clear roadmap for developing the skills our businesses need to thrive.
“Businesses consistently tell us that access to the right talent is one of their biggest challenges. Through the LSIPs, we have brought together employers, education providers, local authorities and partners to identify practical solutions that will help create a more responsive and agile skills system.
“This is not the end of the process – it is the beginning of the next phase. Delivery is now the priority, and local businesses continue to play an active role in the Workforce Development Partnerships, which are one of the main instruments for turning the report findings into real outcomes for employers, learners and our local economy.”
The publication follows the approval of the new LSIPs by the Secretary of State. Developed during a period of significant technological change, the plans are the result of extensive engagement between businesses, education and training providers, local authorities and other stakeholders. They identify the priority skills challenges facing employers and set out practical actions to ensure local skills provision better reflects the needs of the economy.
Skills England has described the publication of the LSIPs as “an important step in the ongoing work to strengthen the role of employers in shaping the skills system.” With employers consistently highlighting access to the right skills as fundamental to future growth, the LSIPs remain central to the Chamber’s work.
As the designated Employer Representative Body (ERB) for Berkshire and Oxfordshire, TVCC has led the development of both plans, gathering evidence from employers and helping to shape changes to the curriculum and delivery of education and training providers in response.
Building on the strong foundations of the previous LSIPs, the new plans recognise the changing demands of employers as technologies evolve, industries grow and new opportunities emerge across the Thames Valley.
The reports highlight priorities including improving pathways into employment, addressing sector-specific skills shortages, strengthening technical education, supporting lifelong learning and ensuring the workforce has the skills needed for future economic growth, including digital, green and advanced technologies.
The Berkshire and Oxfordshire Local Skills Improvement Plans are now available to read:
Berkshire LSIP: https://www.berkshirelsip.co.uk/reports/
Oxfordshire LSIP: https://www.oxfordshirelsip.co.uk/reports/
