Employers and training providers to embark on next phase of skills improvement plan

Pic of Hannah Crookes, HEY LSIP project lead, addressing the latest employer forum at East Riding College in Beverley.

THE latest version of the Hull and East Yorkshire Local Skills Improvement Plan (HEY LSIP) has been signed off by Skills England and will shape skills, training and workforce development across the region between 2026 and 2029.

HEY LSIP 2.0  was produced by Hull & Humber Chamber of Commerce, as the designated employer representative body, and Hull & East Yorkshire Combined Authority (HEYCA) under their joint working relationship.

It will be led by the HEY LSIP board, which since 2023 has been working to ensure local skills provision reflects the needs of employers, individuals and the wider economy. Members include representatives of employers, training providers and local authorities, with the new  strategy aligning to match the Local Growth Plan published recently by Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority.

The announcement from Skills England approves a total of 39 LSIP proposals across England which provide detailed insight and analysis into the priority economic sectors and jobs for each given area.

Phil Smith, Chair of Skills England, said: “The LSIPs give areas a clear roadmap that will help create better skills for better jobs across the country. 

“These LSIPs, alongside the emerging sector jobs plans and the other stakeholder dialogues we are having, is helping us build a much better picture of the skills needs throughout the nation.

“Skills England is excited to play a key role in that journey, so that employers and learners can benefit in local communities."

Jacqui Smith, Minister for Skills, said: “For too long too many people have been locked out of opportunity, and businesses have struggled to recruit the skilled staff they need to build their workforce.

“Local leaders have a unique insight into the skills needs and opportunities in their area, which is why we are putting them in the driving seat to support their community.

“Our reforms, including to the Growth and Skills Levy and the Youth Guarantee, will build a workforce prepared for the demands of today and the jobs of tomorrow."

Hannah Crookes, Project Lead for HEY LSIP, said that rather than focusing solely on qualifications the aim is to take a broader approach by organising the skills system around workforce pipelines, occupational pathways and economic opportunity, and recognising shared challenges regardless of sector.

The new plan is based around four strategic themes that will guide collaborative action over the next three years:

• Technical skills – ensuring education and training aligns with employer demand and future workforce requirements.
• Preparation for working life – strengthening employability, careers education and progression into work.
• Educational workforce – supporting educators with the knowledge and industry insight needed to deliver high-quality provision.
• Knowledge point – creating a coordinated skills ecosystem that makes it easier for employers to access information, funding, support and training.

Hannah said: “Delivery will focus on strengthening collaboration between employers, providers and public sector partners, expanding employer involvement in curriculum design, increasing opportunities for work placements and apprenticeships, improving progression pathways from entry level through to higher technical education, and ensuring investment in skills supports the region's long-term economic ambitions.”

Government approval came as HEY LSIP staged its latest quarterly forum, which was hosted by the TEC Partnership and attracted around 100 representatives of businesses and training providers to East Riding College in Beverley.

Hannah said: “Discussion covered issues around leadership and management, the positive impact of the voluntary sector in helping people get into work, the challenges facing businesses and the changes needed to overcome that. The LSIP will continue to be overseen by the employer-led board through a programme of forums, thematic groups and collaborative partnerships.

“We will continue to encourage employers to become actively involved by sharing workforce intelligence, participating in sector working groups, supporting curriculum development, offering work placements and apprenticeships, and helping shape future skills investment across Hull and East Yorkshire.”

Councillor Mike Ross, Leader of Hull City Council and skills portfolio holder for HEYCA, said: “HEY LSIP 2.0 sets out a shared vision to ensure local people have the skills needed to access good jobs while providing businesses with the workforce they need to grow.

“The launch comes at a pivotal time for Hull and East Yorkshire as the region seeks to maximise opportunities arising from significant investment in clean energy, advanced manufacturing, ports and logistics, digital technologies, construction, agri-food and other growth sectors.

“HEY LSIP 2.0 aligns closely with the Hull and East Yorkshire Local Growth Plan, Get Hull & East Yorkshire Working Plan, the UK Industrial Strategy and Skills England's vision for a more responsive, employer-led skills system.”

For further information about how to get involved with HET LSIP and to view the full  Hull & East Yorkshire Local Skills Improvement Plan 2.0 visit:

HEY LSIP 2.0 — Hull & East Yorkshire Local Skills Improvement Plan