FSB to lead new project on skills needs

The Federation of Small Businesses is to lead a new project, which will look at the future skills needs of businesses across Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire.

By working with local employers and key education providers, the project will seek to set out the key priorities and changes needed to make post-16 technical education or training in the area more closely aligned with the skills needs of local employers and the local economy.

The Local Skills Improvement Plan is an initiative funded by the Department for Education, which has selected FSB to head up the project.

As part of the project, FSB will be holding a series of events during the autumn in conjunction with employers and education and training providers across the region.

This will influence the recommendations of a report to be completed by mid-2023.

Natalie Gasson-McKinley, the FSB’s development manager for Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire, said: “We’re keen to hear from and engage with a range of businesses to shine a spotlight on the skills employers most need in the workplace but struggle to find locally.

“We’ll work closely alongside key education providers in the region to build on the relationships between business and education and ensure practical solutions can be agreed to drive change locally.

“We’re confident this will be a ‘win-win’ scenario for all local employers finding the talent suited to their business needs, while boosting employability for young people in post-16 education.

“As we work towards producing the report next year, we are keen to align with regional strategies and help ensure local businesses and people have the skills they need to thrive and grow in the future.”