Dorset Chamber has published a progress report on its Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP), highlighting how it has responded to employer workforce development needs.

The report marks the first review since the LSIP was introduced in August 2023 and is part of a wider government initiative funded by the Department for Education.

Dorset’s LSIP is one of 38 such plans across England, designed to better align apprenticeship and training opportunities with the specific needs of local businesses. The report outlines the significant strides made over the past year, driven by worker and employer needs, alongside new partnerships and educational initiatives.

Minister for Skills, the Rt Hon Baroness Smith of Malvern, praised the progress, saying: “These reports set out progress made on meeting the skills needs of local employers… they will provide important intelligence for the newly established Skills England.”

The LSIP focuses on sectors identified by the Dorset Skills Board as areas of high demand, including health and social care, advanced manufacturing, construction, digital tech, and agriculture. It also addresses cross-sector needs in areas such as net zero, digital skills, and leadership.

One of the major developments highlighted in the report is the establishment of new training centres in Weymouth and Poole. Weymouth College is now home to a Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) Centre, while a new green construction centre is set to open at Bournemouth and Poole College before Christmas 2024.

Paul Read, director of sustainability at Magna Housing, commented: “The LSIF funding awarded to deliver new training resources has been a huge step forward. Energising a local MMC community to be part of the course content development.”

Dorset Chamber’s LSIP project lead, Nicola Newman, noted the importance of the report for future planning: “All our partners have seriously considered the findings and responded in numerous new ways to meet employee and employer needs. Those joining the local workforce are crucial to our economic and social prosperity.”

Ian Girling, chief executive of Dorset Chamber, added: “There are many vacant roles to be filled in Dorset… if you need help and support to grow your workforce, please do get in touch.”

The release of this report comes as the government continues to reform the apprenticeship system in England. Recent announcements at the Labour Party conference include the introduction of a new growth and skills levy, replacing the current apprenticeship levy.

Melanie Collins, head of Local Skills Improvement Plans at the Department for Education, is set to speak at the Dorset Business Festival Conference in Bournemouth on 9th October. The full Dorset report is available online.