A new Three-yearSkills Improvemnet plan has been launched a publication aimed at making skills, training and workforce support easier to access. The newly published Dorset Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) 2026 to 2029 is a plan led by employer skills needs.
It aims to help shape local skills provision around the current and future needs of businesses.
The Chamber has brought together businesses, education providers, local authorities and partners to compile the Plan.
It marks the latest phase of work to strengthen Dorset’s skills system and support it to continue to respond to the needs of employers, learners and the wider economy.
Produced for Skills England, it provides a framework for collaboration across employers, education and training providers, local authorities and wider partners.
It identifies local skills needs, supports stronger employer engagement and sets out an action plan to enable people to access, progress and succeed in learning and work.
The Plan identifies actions for how education and training providers and local authorities will work together with business to strengthen Dorset’s workforce across key sectors.
These include advanced manufacturing and engineering, defence and marine, construction, digital technology, financial and professional services, health and care and clean energy.
Chamber Chief Executive Ian Girling said: “At a time when businesses are under huge pressure, this Government-funded plan provides a practical roadmap to help Dorset businesses build stronger teams, improve productivity and unlock future growth.
“Every business is facing change. Whether that’s technology, recruitment, productivity or rising costs, investing in people has never been more important.
“The Dorset Local Skills Improvement Plan is about making it easier for businesses to access the skills, training and support they need to succeed.
“By working together, we can build stronger businesses, create better opportunities for local people and support a more productive Dorset economy.”
Rosie Knapper, Dorset Local Skills Improvement Plan Lead said: “At a time when every investment counts, investing in people is vital.
“The right skills and training can help businesses become more productive, embrace innovation, develop confident leaders, retain talented people and prepare for the future.
“In the coming months we will be working with partners to support businesses to access and use the support available to support their growth through skills.”
The Plan is designed to support:
- Employers and businesses of all sizes to shape training around business needs
• Education and training providers to align provision with local demand
• Learners to gain the skills needed for good jobs
• Partners to support workforce development and local economic growth
Dorset Skills and Workforce Board (DSWB) supports the growth of an inclusive economy with a highly skilled workforce.
Chaired by Caron Khan on behalf of Dorset Chamber, the Board provides the collective strategic leadership for skills and employment activity across Dorset and in this role has provided a pan Dorset oversight and steering for the LSIP.
With around 100 members any business in Dorset can join Dorchester Chamber from business for £60p/a (no VAT).
