Plan highlights skills priorities

Shropshire Chamber of Commerce has published a new report setting out five core skills development priorities which are needed to strengthen the local economy over the next three years.

The Marches Local Skills Improvement Plan report lists manufacturing, health & social care, construction, digital transformation and professional skills as key areas for attention.

It follows months of analysis and interviews with local businesses which have cited persistent staff shortages, employer demand for workforce‑ready capabilities, and the need to strengthen the region’s economic resilience.

Shropshire Chamber was appointed in 2022 as the employer representative body for the Marches, which covers Herefordshire, Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin.

The latest report, which is one of 39 LSIPs across England, marks the start of a second three-year cycle, and is designed to place employers and educators at the heart of the local skills agenda.

The report says: “The Marches has a resilient labour market with high employment and low economic inactivity as a whole, but with geographical pockets and distinct cohorts where unemployment or inactivity is higher than desired.

“As a predominantly rural area, it faces challenges around access to education, training, and employment. Rising numbers of 16–17-year-olds not in education, employment, or training highlight the need for stronger local pathways.”

The report points to the launch of several initiatives which are working to address the situation, including new youth hubs and bootcamp-style ‘Step Into’ courses.

“Skills progression is a concern, with relatively low attainment at degree level, particularly in Telford & Wrekin. Limited higher education provision contributes to out-migration of young people, creating a risk of long-term skills loss.

“Continuing to strengthen the higher education offer from our local further education providers and specialist higher education institutions is therefore essential - and we are starting to see the offer grow.”

Collaborations between local FE colleges and out-of-area universities are praised in the report as a ‘forward step in offering a greater range of courses for local students’.

The report adds: “Encouragingly, apprenticeship achievement rates are comparatively strong, demonstrating the value of alternative pathways.”

The Marches LSIP plays a key role in aligning education and training with employer needs, improving access to local opportunities, and reducing skills gaps.

The Marches team collaborates with employers, post-16 education providers, local authorities and a wide range of public and private sector partners to strengthen the link between training and employment.

“Strong collaboration between the public and private sectors is essential to building a future-ready workforce in the Marches,” said Rosie Beswick, project manager for Marches LSIP.

“This means supporting young people who choose to stay locally, showing those who leave for university the opportunities to return, and helping the existing workforce develop the skills modern industry needs.

“Employer input has been vital to the progress made so far, and their voice remains critical. By sharing sector insights, supporting curriculum development or simply taking part in an LSIP interview, businesses help training providers understand industry needs and shape courses that reflect modern workplace standards.

“As needs evolve, ongoing employer feedback will help partners respond and keep skills provision relevant.”