South: New Thames Valley Berkshire LEP statement provides overview of skills in the region

Thames Valley Berkshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has published a 'Skills Priority Statement' to provide an overview of the skills needed in the sub region; to support and grow the economy; and to identify where local interventions are likely to have the greatest impact in terms of addressing skills deficits.

"Thames Valley Berkshire’s continued growth depends heavily on the quality of its workforce, and it needs to expand its supply of skilled workers to fill open jobs and help attract new business,” said Anne Murdoch, deputy chair of the LEP and lead for the skills, education and employment programme.

“Talented individuals are the engines of competitiveness for Berkshire's economy. It is essential that we provide high-quality training and development to ensure a strong supply of future talent in a range of key occupations such as digital technologies, engineering, science, health and care, education and logistics.

“The aim of the statement is to influence local education and training provision; inform young people and adults of the skills in greatest demand in the local economy; and help direct funding for skills. It is imperative to invest in training that will give job seekers of all ages the skills they need to open doors to economic mobility; this will help to build the skilled workforce that the sub region needs for future growth and competitiveness.”

The statement highlights those industries that are especially important to the Thames Valley Berkshire economy and sets out recommendations for educational institutions, career guidance professionals and employers.

Read the statement here.