Dorset’s go-to evidence base for local skills insights is now live, inviting employers, educators, learners, and policy makers to work together creatively and ensure Dorset’s skills and talent pool are fit for the future.
Arriving at a momentous time when Dorset is cautiously moving into recovery from the effects of a global pandemic, Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) publish the Dorset Local Skills Report, outlining the county’s ambitious plans to futureproof skills for local people and the talent pipeline for businesses. Developed by Dorset’s Skills Advisory Panel and Board and coordinated by Dorset LEP with extensive partnership support and intelligence gathering, this report is the new home for local skills insights and initiatives.
Accompanied by a comprehensive Annex of Indicators summarising the research evidence, as well as a two-year programme of Skills Activities, the report offers an interim assessment of progress on areas of interest and celebrates the many success stories, investments and projects currently underway across delivery partners in Dorset.
Welcoming stakeholders to the report, Professor Emma Hunt, Chair of the Dorset’s Skills Advisory Panel and Board and Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Arts University Bournemouth, said:
“This report clearly demonstrates Dorset’s determination to continue delivering outstanding employment and skills opportunities for its people, businesses, and communities.
“Based on strong uniting values as a Board of collaboration and partnership, rooted in research and co-created with employers, educational colleagues and stakeholders, this report tells the story of our regional strengths, challenges and prospects. Building upon the firm foundations of all that is unique about Dorset - the environment, population, industries, education and skills, it provides the setting for our future aspirations, our skills investment and activities that shape the strategic direction of travel.”
The Dorset Local Skills Report is part of a joint initiative led and funded by the Department for Education across 36 LEP areas, which builds on the Skills Advisory Panels’ evidence base developed locally. The reports ensure skills information is reported in a consistent way across all areas, providing source of local intelligence to central government and the national-level Skills and Productivity Board.
Marking this significant milestone of a joint intervention for Dorset, that gives direction to the local skills agenda, Rebecca Davies, Head of Enterprise, Skills and Industry at Dorset LEP, added:
“Drawing on the regional skills and labour market strengths, challenges and ambitions, this report aims to act as a springboard for future engagements, create partnerships and conversations, where a diversity of voices from across the skills spectrum are heard, including employers, educators, learners, and policy makers. it offers a wealth of insights and ideas for use by any individual or organisation with an interest in skills development in Dorset.”
To showcase the report, Dorset LEP is creating a programme of themed monthly spotlight events and materials across key areas of the report exploring skills for the future, the post-pandemic shifts in skills requirements and highlighting skills gaps and opportunities for skills development and growth.
Read the full Dorset Local Skills Report.
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Notes to Editors:
Dorset LEP
Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership is a business led private and public sector partnership, promoting local economic growth and prosperity. Dorset LEP deliver projects that support and develop infrastructure, housing, skills, enterprise and business growth to achieve long-term economic benefit for all in Dorset.