Summit kickstarts skills plan

What is the Dorset LSIP?

The Dorset LSIP is a Dorset-wide review of skills provision against the future and current needs of business. Specifically, it aims to: • Set out the key priorities and changes needed in Dorset to make post-16 technical education or training more responsive and closely aligned to

Dorset labour market needs • Provide an agreed set of actionable priorities that employers, providers and stakeholders in Dorset can get behind to drive change • Identify unmet and future skills needs and enable meaningful engagement between employers and providers • Identify skills, capabilities and expertise required in relation to jobs that directly contribute to or indirectly support Net

Zero targets, adaptation to climate change and other environmental goals • Produce a report outlining recommendations informing the future delivery of skills provision in Dorset

A rallying cry has been sounded for businesses and training providers to join in a new initiative to close the skills gap in Dorset. It was issued at the launch of the county’s Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) to pinpoint shortages holding firms and the local economy back.

More than 60 delegates – including business leaders, college principals and council officers – attended the launch of the three-year initiative.

The Department for Education funded programme – led by Dorset Chamber – will review the county’s skills and training provision to ensure it aligns with the needs of business.

Thousands of Dorset firms will be invited to take part in online and face-to-face research to understand the skills they need and shape recommendations on how the government could improve the way these skills are delivered and accessed.

Dorset Chamber chief executive Ian Girling said: “The Dorset LSIP will shine a light on how the skills need is changing in Dorset, what skills are needed and the changes required to the way skills are delivered so that businesses have workforces to meet current and future demands.

“It is a challenge with the way the world is changing so quickly in terms of technology, and the way business is changing but it is vital that education, skills and business are completely aligned with each other.”

A multi-sector panel of experts gave their perspectives at the event at Merley House, near Wimborne, before an open discussion about working together to change the skills landscape for Dorset. They included May Palmer, managing director of Wimborne based construction firm Harry J Palmer; Jamie Sergeant, chief executive of Bournemouth based agency Crowd; Howard Gunstock, of Carbon Kapture seaweed farms; and Raina Summerson, chief executive of Portland based care business Agincare. The first phase of the Dorset LSIP is designed to scope and understand the areas and job roles in which Dorset employers want and need better skills. Its initial findings will be shared with contributors in February before its review report is submitted to the Department for Education in May. Its recommendations will shape the type and method of delivery of skills, including the format and curriculum. Nicola Newman, LSIP co-ordinator, said: “What is different about the Dorset LSIP is that it will pinpoint and make recommendations about the specific skills needed by Dorset businesses. l-r: Howard Gunstock, Raina Summerson, May Palmer, Ian Girling, Nicola Newman

The focus

The research invites participation from all employers and sectors in Dorset, with specific focus on: • Agriculture, agritech and aquaculture • Advanced manufacturing and engineering including aerospace, defence and marine • Construction • Digital tech and creative • Healthcare • Net Zero skills • Digital skills

Get involved

Understanding your needs, your frustrations and your views is central to the success of this initiative and the Dorset skills agenda. Your experience on the ground, running and leading an organisation will create the Dorset LSIP Partnership, providing the insights it needs to be relevant and impactful. To take part in the research or focus groups, visit www.dorsetchamber.co.uk/lsip or scan the QR code on this page.