The government's skills development strategy highlights the importance of putting employers at the heart of the system so that education and training lead to jobs that can improve productivity and the efficiency of businesses.
Local labour market intelligence informs us that there are currently significant skills gaps at higher technical levels, with shortages in the Thames Valley of technicians, engineers, digital technologists and health and social care professionals to meet the many vital challenges we face. Our workforce needs to develop new skills to enable the region to effectively respond to the green skills agenda.
Our local MP, Laura Farris has been highlighting the value of extending opportunities and developing skills for adults, as part of the Queen's Speech Debate in parliament. Listen to her message
In this edition, I would also like to introduce you to two projects that are supporting small and medium-sized enterprises and to encourage you to engage with them. Your engagement will ensure that your voice and business needs inform the training programmes developed for young people in the region.
Get involved with collaboration projects
An opportunity for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Berkshire to have input into the development of the right skills within Further Education colleges. Over the next three years with funding from the European Social Fund (ESF), this project aims to engage 175 SME’s across Berkshire to identify where the gaps are in education and provide Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) students with hands-on experience, and teachers and students with increased knowledge of current industry standards. The project team, which sits across four FE project partners, are experienced in employer engagement and appeal to employers to get in touch to help develop and secure their future employee pipeline.
Speak to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to find out more.
BEEP, as it is best known, is an employability programme that will align schools and colleges with local employers to develop employability skills and talent in our young people. It will help nurture local talent, develop employability skills and confidence and teach young people about local career opportunities, and has been specially adapted for the pandemic era, so students and young people won’t miss out.
The BEEP project has three strands, working with: Employers, Schools and Young People
Speak to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to find out more about the BEEP programme.
The Berkshire Education Employer Partnership programme is funded by the European Social Fund and the Department of Work and Pensions