Essex LSIP Roundtable Events

Ensuring that employers are regularly informed about the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) while also valuing their input on skill requirements is fundamental to our county-wide efforts. The recent months have been characterised by intense collaboration with our Further Education (FE) partners, linking a diverse array of businesses.

The consensus from all roundtable discussions to date, highlights a significant emphasis on the need for soft skills, which are essential for facilitating successful employment transition.

Events

• Thank you to Chelmsford College for hosting an Engineering roundtable on the 8th February
• Thank you to Stansted College (part of Harlow College) for hosting an Aviation roundtable.
• Thank you to First Intuition for hosting a Professional Services roundtable.
• For more information on future events, go to our Up and Coming Events page

Feedback on the LSIP Professional Services Roundtable from Gareth John, First Intuition -

"It is clear that skills gaps suffered by employers are a major blocker to economic growth both locally and nationally. The LSIP programme that Essex Chambers of Commerce has been leading is already producing tangible outcomes which will allow local providers to focus on key Skills Priorities in the county. At the latest Professional Services Roundtable event hosted at First Intuition in Chelmsford Jo gave a highly articulate overview of progress made so far by the Essex LSIP team, and then expertly chaired a fascinating discussion where employers, providers and other stakeholders shared insights into the skills gaps they have been experiencing."

Construction Alliance Event

The Essex Construction Alliance Event, held at Billericay Town Football Club on Tuesday 27 February, drew an attendance of over 70 participants. The event featured a presentation on the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) and discussion around essential skills. Representatives from various organisations, including the Lower Thames Crossing, Essex County Council’s Sustainability team, Birketts, and Reed Environment, contributed to the conversation. Key topics covered included the transition to net-zero practices, insights into the Building Safety Act, and specialised Retrofit training.

Following the LSIP presentation, a poll and Q&A session focused on skills needs. Notably, 61% of attendees expressed confidence in possessing the right skills within their workforce and demonstrated a clear understanding of future requirements. 38% indicated that the existing skills offerings in Essex (including qualifications) aligned with their business needs, while 31% disagreed, and another 31% remained uncertain.

Employers emphasised the ongoing demand for specialised skills, such as asbestos management and proficiency in industry-standard software like CAD, project management (PM), and Environmental Net Zero tools. Local provision for these skills remains limited. Apprenticeships were recognized as valuable, yet employers acknowledged a lack of awareness among businesses regarding available opportunities. The consensus was that apprenticeship and employer toolkits would address this gap. Additionally, soft skills such as confidence and a willingness to learn were highlighted, particularly for apprentices entering organisations. Some employers expressed challenges in organising practical apprenticeships, such as those in painting and decorating. Employers also fed back about the importance of mental health in the sector and a representative from Working Well spoke about support on offer to businesses. 

Further information from the event will be included in the construction deep-dive and you can continue to feedback via the LSIP pages.

Institute for Technology – Harlow College facilities officially opened.

The continued expansion of facilities within the South-East Institute of Technology (IoT) took place this month. In addition to the existing facilities at South Essex and Chelmsford College, Harlow College officially opened its new premises on February 9, 2024, coinciding with National Apprenticeship Week.

The IoT represents a collaboration between high-performing further education colleges, universities, and employers. Its primary objective is to align higher-level courses with the specific needs of the economy and local communities. At Harlow College, the newly established facilities include:

• Immersive Room with VR Headsets: A cutting-edge space designed to enhance experiential learning.
• New Science Lab: Equipped to foster scientific exploration and innovation.
• Digi-Lab: A hub for digital skills development.

The official plaque unveiling ceremony was conducted by Robert Halfon MP for Harlow and Minister of State (Education). Members of the LSIP project team were in attendance, alongside prominent industry leaders, community representatives, and local government officials.

These state-of-the-art facilities underscore the commitment of the South-East Institute of Technology to empower students, businesses, and the broader community, ensuring a prosperous future for all. Read more HERE.
 

Annual Apprenticeship Conference.

The AAC Conference recently convened to engage in a comprehensive dialogue concerning the skills landscape. Over the course of two days, participants engaged in meaningful discussions and networked with peers, complemented by insightful plenary sessions. This forum provided a valuable platform for delivering feedback to principal stakeholders. Additionally, we had the opportunity to hear updates from the Skills Minister, Shadow Skills Minister, Ofsted, and IFATE. We embraced the chance to pose pertinent questions and delve into the evolving themes within the skills landscape that may influence the future of Essex.
 

Jo Giles positioning questions to Jennifer Coupland CEO of IFATE

Read more about the Conference in FE week edition 453 

Lower Thames Crossing supply chain networking event

National Highways and its Delivery Partner Balfour Beatty, hosted a supply chain networking event for local small and medium-sized enterprises to prepare them to bid for work on the Hole Farm Community Woodland.  

Kim Paxman and Jo Giles from Essex Chambers of Commerce attended the event, which gave an insight into the procurement process and the minimum requirements that suppliers must meet, and an outline of the various work packages that will be available.

Read more about the event HERE