Dorset Chamber chosen to lead Government review on business skills

The county organisation have until May 2023 to report back

Author: Faye TryhornPublished 2nd Sep 2022

The organisation that supports Dorset's industries has been picked by the Government to lead a review into boosting business skills.

Dorset Chamber's been commissioned by the Department for Education to develop a Local Skills Improvement Plan for the area.

That reviews the skills that local businesses need, to shape the current and future training offered locally.

It's aimed at tailoring the support for companies to provide the exact skills they're after for the future.

Dorset Chamber boss Ian Girling says the organisation is 'well placed' to tell the Government what local training's needed to help businesses

Ian Girling, Dorset Chamber chief executive, said:

“This is a significant policy change by government to ensure employers’ needs drive post-16 technical education and training in England.

“Working closely with all Dorset employers, local providers including school, colleges, universities, our two local authorities, the LEP and independent trainers, we are tasked to report back to Government by May 31, 2023.

“Our role will continue for a further two years to monitor and measure the impact of the changes made.

“Employers now have a great opportunity to be directly involved in problem solving at least some of their current issues.”

Nicola Newman, former chief executive of careers, employability and mentoring charity Ansbury Guidance, will lead the LSIP programme for the chamber.

Chief Executive of Dorset Chamber, Ian Girling said:

“(We're) well placed to deliver this change in policy as the leading employer representative body in the county.

“There will be a strong focus on partnership working to maximise business engagement within the LSIP review, working closely with other business support organisations.”

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