Local Skills Improvement Plan updates

Billions of infrastructure projects are either happening or planned to start in the near future in Suffolk and Norfolk.

The Energy Readiness Programme has been developed by West Suffolk College to ensure the business community are prepared to be able to engage and capture opportunities which exist throughout the Energy Sector in the Eastern Region and beyond. Sizewell C, Offshore Wind, National Grid improvements are all something this project can support your business to engage with.

How will the project support my business?

Everything will start from a FREE Training Needs Analysis of your organisation. This will then provide an accurate plan on how you can develop your staff and prepare for local opportunities in the energy sector.

West Suffolk College has already helped many businesses by providing 40% contribution towards training in areas such as:

- Welding
- Quality
- Project Management
- Management
- Electrical

If you would like to book an appointment with one of West Suffolk College's business advisors please contact training@easterneducationgroup.ac.uk 

West Suffolk College (WSC) is celebrating a one-of-a-kind Ofsted rating after being graded ‘outstanding’ in every possible category.

The Bury St Edmunds-based college, which serves over 8.000 students, is one of only six colleges in the entire country to achieve the ‘outstanding’ judgement across the board, making it the highest-rated Further Education provider in the Eastern region.  

In a glowing report published on 18th December, Ofsted inspectors said that students were “transformed” by their time at West Suffolk College, adding that they were “highly ambitious and positive about their next steps” as a result of studying there.

The report further praised the college, which has several sites across East Anglia, for providing “state-of-the-art, industry-standard resources”, enabling students to “develop the skills they need to be highly confident and successful in the professional setting”.

WSC has placed significant investment into the quality of its facilities in recent years, which includes the opening of an award-winning £2m Extended Reality (XR) Lab in Bury St Edmunds, along with a specialist engineering training centre in Chatteris. The report noted that “staff work closely with employers to enable students and apprentices to gain the high-quality practical skills, knowledge and confidence that they need to move on to employment”, highlighting the college’s efforts to bridge the gap between education and industry.

Employers and training providers came together at Suffolk New College on 5^th November to find out more about how the Norfolk and Suffolk Local Skills Improvement Plan has created a wealth of intelligence about employers’ skills needs. The meeting also heard about a range of initiatives that can help to address skills needs. Discussion at the meeting included some very valuable feedback from employers about their current business challenges and training needs.

The chair of the meeting, Andy Stevenson, Finance Director of Bacton Logistics and a Governor of Suffolk New College commented ‘Bacton Logistics recognises the importance of skills improvement and training. The Local Skills Improvement Plan gives employers an opportunity to shape existing and new skills initiatives that can help to make Suffolk businesses more productive’.

The meeting presentations can be viewed here

A skills breakfast at the Food Museum in Stowmarket on 23rd October 2024 brought together employers and training providers to look at local skills challenges.

The breakfast meeting organised by Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, learnt more about the Norfolk and Suffolk Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) and looked at a number of skills initiatives that can help to tackle many of the skills challenges that have been identified in the LSIP.

The chair of the meeting, Alan Ridealgh of Humber Doucy Brewery and the Oxlip Learning Partnership said 'The LSIP has helped to bring employers and training providers closer together and it was good to find out about what is being done to improve skills in Suffolk. Going forward it is very important that the LSIP does even more to help smaller businesses overcome their skills challenges. Without this help there is a risk that they will not grow and prosperity and wellbeing in Suffolk will be held back'.  

BT Group has launched a new Apprenticeship Fund, designed to support SMEs, charities and public sector organisations across England by providing access to £4m in apprenticeship funding over an initial four-year period.

Since 2017, companies with an annual wage bill of more than £3 million have been required to pay the apprenticeship levy, using the funds to recruit and train apprentices. They can also choose to transfer up to 50% of their levy to help support other companies.

BT Group has partnered with Babington, one of the UK's largest and longest-established apprenticeship training providers to transfer up to £4 million from its apprenticeship levy funds to help SMEs, charities and the public sector train new apprentices and upskill their existing workforce.

Babington will play a crucial role in matching businesses with appropriate training providers and guiding them through the application process. Successful applicants will be provided with access to funded apprenticeship training within 20 days, subject to meeting funding criteria.

The Fund has the ability to scale up depending on take up and could support up to 550 apprentices, resulting in a £21m positive economic impact. The launch comes at a time when more than a third of mid-sized businesses are struggling to recruit apprentices.

training for their employees will be on offer to help SMEs grow and protect their business. 

A key focus of the Apprenticeship Fund will be on digital skills development, reflecting BT's own emphasis on technology and innovation in its apprenticeship programmes. This approach aims to help SMEs bridge the digital skills gap and adopt new technologies, enhancing their competitiveness in an increasingly digital economy.

The Fund is open to SMEs, charities and public sector organisations across England, including the NHS, focusing on apprentices aged 22 and older. It aims to support local economic growth, reduce the digital divide, and enhance social mobility by providing quick access to apprenticeship funding.

Organisations interested in accessing apprenticeship levy funding can register their interest on the BT Group Apprenticeship Fund Portal.

Join the University of Suffolk on Wednesday, 30th October, 8:30 - 11:30am, for an exclusive event to explore the wide range of apprenticeship programmes offered by the School of Technology, Business, and Arts. Discover opportunities in key areas, including Digital Technology Solutions, Associate Project Manager, Senior Leader, and specialised Supply Chain courses, all starting in January. 

This event will provide a comprehensive introduction to our current apprenticeship offerings, give you a platform to influence our future programme development, and demonstrate how partnering with us can help you unlock the potential of your existing workforce while attracting new talent to drive your business growth. 

Secure your spot today and learn how apprenticeships can enhance your business success. 

The five Further Education (FE) college principals in Norfolk and Suffolk are calling for the Chancellor to use the Budget to address desperate funding shortages that are impacting students and holding back economic growth.

Alan Pease, David Pomfret, Paul Padda, Dr Nikos Savvas and Jerry White have put their names to a letter to the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, warning her that without investment in further education, the government’s missions cannot be delivered.

Collectively, City College Norwich, The College of West Anglia, East Coast College, Eastern Education Group, and Suffolk New College:

• educate more than half of all young people aged 16-19 in Norfolk and Suffolk;
• train more than 6,000 apprentices and their employers, and;
• provide opportunities for over 10,000 adults to re-train or upskill themselves.

The number of 16–18-year-olds studying technical courses at the five colleges is growing rapidly. The number of 16 and 17-year-olds in the region will continue to rise until at least 2029. In Norfolk alone, there will be an additional 4,000 young people needing college places in the next 5 years.

However, years of underinvestment in FE have left the region’s colleges struggling to find the space, recruit the lecturers, and provide the essential equipment needed to train these young people.

• The challenge facing Norfolk and Suffolk’s colleges is illustrated by the fact that, collectively, they:
• Have recruited 1,830 more young 16–18-year-old students than they have been funded for this year – creating a shortfall of approximately £9.1m, which they will not get compensated for fully until next year;
• Have more than 30 lecturer vacancies, hindering their ability to meet the skills needs of the region;
• Paid £5.7m VAT in the 2023/24 academic year – money they would much rather be spending on technical facilities and equipment for their students. For example, this sum could have been used to purchase 1,900 high-powered PCs to support students developing the digital skills needed for the future.

Four weeks before the Autumn Budget, the letter, which has been letter signed by more than 170 college leaders, draws attention to the stark staffing challenge in FE, the rapid growth in the numbers of 16 to 18-year-olds, and the injustice of colleges having to pay VAT.

The letter voices college leaders’ dismay at the lack of a funded pay rise for FE teachers to start to close the £9,000 pay gap between school and college teachers. That gap is making it impossible to recruit and retain lecturers in key sectors like construction, engineering and health and social care, stifling economic growth and opportunity.

Without lecturers, the letter warns, skills shortages will remain, and the government will not be able to deliver manifesto commitments like 1.5 million new homes, the transition to net zero, a reformed NHS, and much-needed productivity gains.

College leaders have also highlighted that government must fully fund the growing numbers of students enrolling in FE. No college wants to turn prospective students away, and therefore leaders have asked for a basic funding commitment from the Treasury: funding in-year growth, as well as capital investment to deliver the extra space and equipment needed.

The letter also calls on Rachel Reeves to end the injustice of VAT payments. Unlike schools and academies, colleges are not covered by the VAT refund scheme, despite being classed as public sector organisations with strong social inclusion and public service roles.

Alan Pease, Principal and Chief Executive Officer at Suffolk New College, commented:
“Suffolk New College contributes significantly to the local and regional economy through the creation of a skilled workforce for the present and future. Our valued employer partners recruit from this talent pool to ensure they have the necessary workforce skills to meet their needs, across many different sectors.

“With the onset of two enormous infrastructure projects in Suffolk – Sizewell C Nuclear Power Station and Freeport East – it is imperative that the government invests in the Further Education sector to ensure a parity of esteem with schools and universities.”

David Pomfret, Principal and Chief Executive Officer at College of West Anglia, commented:
“Our colleges are responding to significant 16–18-year-old student numbers growth, particularly in areas key to economic growth, such as construction and engineering. To meet this demand, we urgently need a commitment to fund growth in 2025/26, as well as capital investment to create the extra space and specialist equipment needed”.

Paul Padda, Principal and Chief Executive Officer at East Coast College, commented:
“East Coast College continues to see real challenges in teacher recruitment and retention for the specialisms we deliver including health, maritime, engineering and energy. Without the ability to attract and retain highly skilled staff, colleges like ours will struggle to produce the skills and workforce needed to improve our health services and provide green energy for future generations to come.”

Dr Nikos Savvas, FCCT, Chief Executive Officer at Eastern Education Group, commented:
“The Prime Minister has outlined an ambitious plan to revitalise the country, addressing skills shortages as a key priority. At the core of this effort are our outstanding Further Education colleges, which play a critical role in equipping the workforce for construction, house building, major infrastructure projects, and the NHS.

“As a vital part of the public sector and the education system, FE colleges are central to solving the nation’s skills challenges. Given the specialised expertise of FE lecturers, it is only fitting that they receive pay parity with primary and secondary school teachers.”

Jerry White, Principal and Chief Executive Officer at City College Norwich, commented:
“Allowing colleges to reclaim the VAT, in the way state schools and sixth forms do, would provide a clear message that the Treasury understands the role of colleges as vital public sector organisations, equipping students and apprentices with the skills needed to drive economic growth.

“It is, frankly, absurd that a school sixth form can be funded to buy 20 new PCs to run a digital T Level course, but the FE college around the corner offering the same T Level to the same age group of students is only able to buy 16 PCs from the same funding, because it has to pay VAT.”

Do you believe workplace wellbeing can ever be taken too far? Dr Helen Fitzhugh and Andrea James (University of East Anglia) asked this question of 25 managers from UK-based public, private and charitable organisations. This article offers a ‘sneak peek’ of early findings from this research study. 

https://evolveworkplacewellbeing.org/8538-2/

The report for the second phase of the Norfolk & Suffolk Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) has been formally approved by the Minister for Skills at the Department for Education.

Commenting on the report, the Skills Minister, The Rt Hon Baroness Smith of Malvern said:

“I welcome the publication of the Local Skills Improvement Plan Progress Report for Norfolk and Suffolk.  These reports set out progress made on meeting the skills needs of local employers. As well as being a valuable source of information for local skills deliverers, employers and stakeholders, the reports along with the LSIPs themselves, will provide important intelligence for the newly established Skills England.”

The Norfolk and Suffolk LSIP outlines key skills required across our region’s vital sectors and offers a strategic roadmap to tackle skill shortages.  As the Employer Representative Body (ERB), Norfolk Chambers, in partnership with Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, has successfully united employers, education and training providers, and local authorities to ensure that businesses are at the forefront of our regional skills agenda.

In Phase 1, the LSIP identified that the key priorities were:

1. Skills provision mapping needed to be easy to navigate.
2. There need to be a region-wide offer for Soft and Digital skills training.
3. Private sector funding was needed for Net-Zero training.
4. A common language was needed between providers and employers to address the perceived barriers.

Having identified the key challenges, in  Phase 1 of the LSIP, this resulted in an invitation from the Department for Education (DfE), for our region’s colleges to bid for £4.7m via the Local Skills Improvement Fund (LSIF) to help address them.   The bid was successful and a whole range of projects are now underway across Suffolk and Norfolk, addressing priorities outlined in the LSIP. This work is being led by Suffolk New College.

Commenting on the success of a fully approved Norfolk and Suffolk LSIP for Phase 2, Nova Fairbank, CEO of Norfolk Chambers and Chair of the LSIP Board said:

“Collaborating with local businesses and training providers is essential for truly understanding and meeting the skill demands of our region. The Norfolk and Suffolk LSIP has made significant progress this year, fostering relationships which support the development of training to meet the needs of employers.   Norfolk Chambers has proudly led the work of the LSIP regionally and supported local businesses to position themselves for enhancing workforce development and remaining competitive.”

Also commenting on progress of the LSIP and the importance of ongoing employer engagement, John Dugmore, Chief Executive of Suffolk Chamber of Commerce and Vice Chair of the LSIP Board said:

“It is good to see the progress that the LSIP has made and in particular the catalytic impact of improved employer engagement.  We look forward to Chambers of Commerce continuing to use their convening expertise to enable further improvement in local skills for Norfolk and Suffolk.”

Collectively, the Chambers have had a busy year since Phase 2 of the LSIP commenced in August 2023.  Success has included:

A Signed MOU – between Norfolk and Suffolk Chambers of Commerce and the Norfolk and Suffolk County Council’s Skills Hub, who have jointly agreed a set of common goals and the process for collaboratively achieving them – something completely new and unique for Norfolk and Suffolk that will shape the local skills eco-system and provide a catalyst for change.

Training Provision has been Mapped – Initial mapping of training provision across Norfolk and Suffolk has been completed and an ongoing review is underway with Further Education, Higher Education and the independent training providers to ensure as much as possible is captured.

Delivery of a Programme Digital & Soft Skills Courses – Working with the providers, there is now consistent delivery of a programme of bite-sized courses in digital and soft skills across all five of the Norfolk and Suffolk colleges and via independent training providers with over 50 courses to choose from.  LSIP employer feedback has also helped shape Skills Bootcamps.

Many independent training providers (ITPs) are involved with both the sector groups across the counties and the ongoing LSIP delivery – one of these ITPs is WS Training Ltd.   Kirstie Wright, their Chief Executive commented on the ongoing importance of the LSIP findings, she said:  “Being a local independent training provider, we want to support the growth and expansion of the LSIP priorities across Norfolk and Suffolk and we can clearly see that there are skills deficiencies in certain industry areas which need to be addressed.  The LSIP really helped identify those gaps, it has provided evidence behind why investment in training in these crucial areas is so important, and from this perspective, it has been a pivotal report, in terms of supporting the development and growth initiatives for WS Training.”

Above all, both Chambers have been doing what they do best, engaging employers across Suffolk and Norfolk, from micro businesses to the large corporates, gathering case studies and feedback and embedding that employer voice across the whole skills landscape.

On employer engagement, the LSIP Engagement Manager, Dean Pierpoint said:

“As we present our yearly progress report, it’s clear that empowering our local businesses with the right skills is crucial for driving growth and innovation in Norfolk and Suffolk. By collaborating closely with employers, local training providers, and key stakeholders, the LSIP is a key part of bringing businesses and education closer together, targeting the specific needs of our workforce.  This collaborative approach, which includes active involvement from FE and HE colleges and independent training providers, ensures employees gain valuable skills whilst strengthening our local businesses.”

So what’s next for the LSIP and Chambers of Commerce? 

The LSIP will continue to be delivered by the Chambers of Commerce until mid-2025 and we are already looking at what comes next to build upon the success so far.   There will be continued employer engagement across a wide range of sectors, not just the original priority areas.

The LSIP will highlight employer ‘skills champions’ – these will be the LSIP Keystone Employers and will be the vocal advocates for their particular sectors.  Many of these have already been identified, but the LSIP is keen to engage as many employers as possible.  For more information and to find out how to get involved click here.

Work on the four key priority areas will be ongoing, with more research and analysis of skills need to be undertaken, as will work with education providers on curriculum development.  The LSIP will continue to advocate for policies to support the alignment of the local skills system with the ongoing needs of the employers.

Click here to read the Phase 2 Annual LSIP Progress Report.

Suffolk Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to announce the launch of the Suffolk Chamber Innovation Skills Hub, a new initiative dedicated to equipping businesses with essential tools to empower, upskill, and reskill their teams for a successful future. The Skills Hub aims to enhance individual capabilities and improve organisational performance, ensuring that businesses stay ahead in an ever-evolving industry landscape.

Invest in Your Workforce's Growth

By prioritising employee development, businesses can cultivate motivated and skilled teams that adapt seamlessly to changing industry trends and technological advancements. Investing in workforce growth fosters innovation, boosts employee morale, and increases retention rates, creating a thriving and dynamic workplace.

Tailored Training Solutions for Every Business

The Skills Hub offers a variety of training solutions tailored to meet the needs of businesses of all sizes. Our programs address specific skills shortages identified by our Chamber members and beyond, ensuring that teams receive the most relevant and impactful training.

Our Comprehensive Training Portfolio

We are at the beginning of an exciting journey, continually expanding our training portfolio to provide a broad spectrum of learning opportunities for businesses and their teams. Our commitment to leveraging local expertise ensures that our training programs are not only relevant but also accessible.

Flexible and Accessible Learning Options

To meet the diverse needs and locations of our clients, we offer both face-to-face and virtual courses. This flexibility ensures that regardless of where businesses are located, they can access high-quality training that suits their schedules and learning preferences.

Why Choose Suffolk Chamber Innovation Skills Hub?

• Comprehensive Training Solutions: From technical skills to soft skills, our programs cover all aspects of professional development.
• Industry-Relevant Courses: Our training addresses the current and future needs of your industry, keeping your team ahead of the curve.
• Flexible Learning Options: Choose from in-person or virtual courses to suit your business’s needs and locations.
• Local Expertise: Benefit from training designed and delivered by local experts who understand your business environment.
• Proven Impact: Enhance individual capabilities, foster innovation, boost employee morale, and improve retention rates.

Book a training course here 

Suffolk New College are inviting local companies to be exhibitors at its upcoming careers fair on Monday 4th November 2024 at its Ipswich campus.

Exhibitors will have the opportunity to inspire the future workforce and showcase your industry.

Sign up here or for more details, please contact charlotterossiter@suffolk.ac.uk

Sponsorship packages are also available, Sign up here

Responding to the latest labour market data published on 18th July by the ONS, Jane Gratton Deputy Director of Public Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce, said:  

“The labour market is continuing to cool but high wage growth is still bearing down heavily on businesses. Our research shows labour costs are the main external pressure on firms forcing them to put up prices and hold back on investment. 

“Our latest survey on recruitment, published earlier this week, shows firms across all industries are facing increased difficulties hiring staff. Better skills planning is crucial to tackling these problems, both for individual firms and the wider economy.  

“It was encouraging to see a focus on skills in yesterday’s King’s Speech. Plans to create a national skills plan for England, to underpin an industrial strategy, are welcome. Meanwhile, reforming the apprenticeship levy is long overdue. 

“Policymakers across the UK need to prioritise helping more people back into work and making sure they have the skills they need to thrive.” 

Skills Bootcamps bridge existing skills gaps and address recruitment needs by providing flexible, intensive training programmes. The Bootcamps last from 60 hours to 16 weeks and are designed to fit around learners' commitments. They provide sector-specific skills at Levels 2-5 (GCSE to HND equivalent) to help individuals gain employment, get promoted, or take on more work if self-employed.

Suffolk and Norfolk County Councils have secured funding to support 600 learners through Skills Bootcamps to March 2025. For employers looking to upskills their current workforce, there is a 30% contribution. Small to medium sized businesses (SMEs) pay 10% (depending on the course a 10% contribution could be £150 to £350).

A wide range of Bootcamp courses are available including Agri-Horticulture skills, Sustainability skills, Digital skills, Construction skills, Teaching skills, Engineering skills, Project Management skills, Health & Social Care skills, Logistics skills and Leadership & Management skills.

For more details of all the courses click here or email SkillsBootCamp@suffolk.gov.uk

West Suffolk College are seeking businesses to support the sustainability skills bootcamps by sharing knowledge delivering specific masterclasses on topics which are directly relevant to sustainability within your organisation or sector.  If you would like to know more and chat through how you could support the sustainability skills bootcamps please contact: Nina.hart@easterneducationgroup.ac.uk 

Employers in Suffolk are being given the chance to develop new talent for their business whilst providing a potentially life-changing opportunity for an individual in Suffolk.

Suffolk County Council would like to engage Suffolk employers to develop their knowledge of, and consider offering, supported internship placements for those young people aged 16-24 with Special Educational Needs or/and Disabilities (SEND).

A supported internship is unpaid and there is no cost to the Employer. The young person is supported whilst in placement by a job coach with funding in place for this and any reasonable adjustments that may need to be made, prior to starting in the workplace.

Young people can develop in confidence, learn new skills, build their independence and progress towards paid employment.

At a time when vacancies can often be left unfilled, a supported internship offers a different way to recruit a diverse talent pool into your business. Amongst other benefits the internship can save an organisation time and money, provide extra team capacity at no cost and help you demonstrate social value, thereby attracting further talent and potentially even winning business.

Suffolk County Council hold regular SEND Employment Forums for its host employers and other employers interested in finding out more about inclusive employment. Please contact skills@suffolk.gov.uk for more details and to reserve your space.

Looking to hire an apprentice or find out how an apprenticeship can support to upskill existing members of staff?

This Suffolk New College online information event on 17th July 2024 at 4pm or 5pm, is aimed at local employers who are interested in finding out about the recent changes to apprenticeship funding and how Suffolk New College can support and guide you through the process of hiring an apprentice and upskilling new and existing members of staff, including:

• The benefits of hiring an apprentice
• What is expected of the employer
• Funding and Financial Support
• Managing the Vacancy and introducing you to our Talent Pool
• Support in the workplace
• Off the Job Training

Please complete this short form https://forms.gle/faRkGQmJcnC7gLTt9   to book onto this free event (or one of Suffolk New College's forthcoming events), to find out how Suffolk New College can support you with your training needs. If you have any further questions please email apprenticeships@suffolk.ac.uk

Local councils in Suffolk have joined forces with education providers, charities, and businesses to help over 1000 people get the skills and support they need to support their journeys back into employment.

The project called ‘Thrive’ is a partnership led by Suffolk New College which will provide targeted support and opportunities for NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) young people and economically inactive adults across Suffolk.

Suffolk New College will be joined by West Suffolk College, East Coast College, Inspire Suffolk, Lofty Heights, Anglia Care Trust and Access Community Trust.

This innovative programme has been funded by the district councils in Suffolk who have combined their grant allocations from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to deliver this bespoke service.

The programme aims to deliver a high-quality support service that addresses the often complex needs of some of Suffolk’s residents.

Thrive will offer a highly localised and responsive approach, dedicated to helping individuals navigate their unique challenges and access the full spectrum of education, training, and employment opportunities available within the county.

Those who sign up will get advice from progression coaches who will individually assess their needs before creating a tailor-made programme of support that provides robust and continuous assistance towards employment and education goals.

Any time individuals interact with their coworkers, clients or customers, they can use soft skills to make their work easier or more efficient. Soft skills are critical for personal and professional success, they also facilitate growth and help individuals stay organised within their role.

Following on from West Suffolk College's short sessions designed via the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) the college has produced two programmes, one aimed at staff who are in the development stage of their careers, and the other for more experienced members of the organisation that either need to refresh or master their skillset.

Please use the links below to gain more information and to reserve your place. If you would like a bespoke programme for your organisation or to discuss this in further detail please contact:
training@easterneducationgroup.ac.uk 

Soft Skills - Development Programme

Soft Skills - Advanced Programme

Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs) across England “are working and beginning to make positive differences for local employers”, according to a new report commissioned by the British Chambers of Commerce. Based on evidence from 21 of the 32 chamber led LSIPs, the evaluation report concludes that the process is changing attitudes and encouraging more employers to collaborate and engage positively with the skills system.

A ‘stable and coherent’ skills strategy is needed to prepare young people for the world of work, according to first ever British Chambers of Commerce Youth Skills Manifesto. The report highlights the key skills employers look for in young people and how individuals will need to embrace new learning throughout their careers as the workplace becomes more technical, automated and low carbon focused. It examines the important role of technical education, notably T-Levels, Higher Technical Qualifications and Apprenticeships across England.

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) recently announced a £7.4 million pilot scheme to subsidise the cost of AI skills training for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Professional Business Services (PBS) sector. £6.4 million of grant funding is available. 

Through this pilot programme, eligible business can apply for funding for up to 50% of the cost of AI skills training. This refers to training which supports employees to develop their technical skills and/or understanding of AI to be able to develop, deploy, or use AI in their role.

The flexible AI upskilling fund pilot aims to increase AI adoption and productivity by incentivising greater employer-led investment in skills and training. Evidence shows that a lack of AI skills in businesses is hindering AI adoption, in part due to low investment in AI upskilling in UK businesses, particularly in smaller companies.

Funding will be allocated through a competitive application exercise running until 31 May 2024. Depending on demand, a second competitive application exercise may be run later in the year. 

Funding is for the procurement of AI skills training only, and not for the cost of: 

• Purchasing AI technologies
• Business advice and consulting
• Recruitment activity
• Salaries, including work placement or internship salaries
• Capital expenditure

For full eligibility criteria and information of how to submit an expression of interest click here.

Chambers East is supporting a call for Government action to level up skills in the East of England.

Chambers East worked with the East of England All Party Parliamentary Group, local authorities, FE colleges, universities and training providers to prepare a report that identifies barriers to improving skills in our region.

Some of the barriers identified include the loss of some of the apprenticeship training levy funds from the region; the Maths and English element of apprenticeship assessment leading to low completions; widespread teacher shortages and insufficient and inflexible funding.

Report recommendations include the reform of apprenticeship provision and the levy to allow greater flexibility; further devolution of all post 16 skills funding and incentivising companies to volunteer their staff to provide teaching support on apprenticeship courses in key sectors.

Charlotte Horobin, Chief Executive of Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce said ‘There is a lot of inflexibility in the way skills funding can be used and unfortunately this means that funding is not always available to meet the rapidly changing skills needs of employers.’

Denise Rossiter, Chief Executive of Essex Chambers of Commerce commented ‘A large number of nationally significant infrastructure projects are being planned for the East of England, including the Lower Thames Crossing and Sizewell C. These projects will increase the demand for skilled workforces. However, there is insufficient regional funding available to provide the training that is needed’.

Nova Fairbank, Chief Executive of Norfolk Chambers of Commerce said ‘Employers across the region are ready to release staff to support skills training, but it’s a big commitment and more needs to be done to help employers manage the impact of releasing key staff on a regular basis.’

John Dugmore, Chief Executive of Suffolk Chamber of Commerce commented ‘This report shows there are common skills issues across the East of England. By working together as Chambers East and in partnership with others, the region’s chambers of commerce can amplify the voice of East of England businesses in calling for action to address the issues that have been identified.

To read the report Towards a Strategic Framework for Levelling Up Skills’ click here

To read the letter from the East of England All Party Parliamentary Group to the Minister for Skills, Apprenticeships and Further Education click here

Share your views on skills in your sector and in your part of Suffolk. Join the Norfolk and Suffolk LSIP Linkedin Group

Funded by the UK government, the Local Skills Improvement Fund, and the Department for Education, ePASS+ is a digital resource that has been created to give crucial soft skills to employees of companies.

The ePASS+ programme offers a comprehensive toolkit tailored to empower the workforce and gives employees insights into their personalities, learning styles, and motivations, creating a more profound understanding that serves as the foundation for transformative development. Read more here

The Department of Work and Pensions in Suffolk has published a useful guide to support that is available to employers in Suffolk. The guide includes information on apprenticeships and schemes like Access to Work and Disability Confident. The guide is available here

The University of Suffolk online Job Board:

• Helps employers recruit graduates to graduate level full-time or part-time,  permanent or fixed term employment
• Connects students with employers recruiting for internships, work placements, summer placements, part-time roles, and casual/temporary employment
• Enables charities and voluntary organisations to advertise paid and voluntary roles
• Promotes opportunities offered by University of Suffolk internal departments to students and graduates.  (All University of Suffolk departments are encouraged to advertise vacancies suitable for students with the service)
• Enables Students to connect with Organisations directly.

East Coast College has united with educational establishments from Norfolk and Suffolk to look at ways of closing skills gaps in digital industries across the region.

A key highlight of the project saw the launch of a Digital Futures Conference held at The Hold in Ipswich. This occasion saw education, skills and business experts hear top talks from leading practitioners in education and the digital industries. Read more here

“Growing the skills, inspiration, innovation and collaboration required to deliver sustainable development in Norfolk and Suffolk.”

The BGSN facilitates a strategic discussion on the alignment of skills requirements of the construction industry with provision and uptake of related education and training in Norfolk and Suffolk.

Membership is open to all and includes both industry and provider representatives as well as other key stakeholders.

Read of our work and to express an interest in joining/participation via the BGSN webpage.

Tom Lloyd - Executive Director - Skills, Innovation and Strategic Development at Eastern Education Group said: "This state-of-the-art facility will enable us to become one of the UK's leading lights when it comes to Extended Reality education. In addition to this, we are keen to collaborate with industry as much as possible. We have already developed strong links with the business community both locally, nationally and internationally to meet emerging skill needs. These organisations include Wincanton PLC, EDF and the NHS. The XR Lab is keen to collaborate, support and partner with other businesses who can benefit greatly from the technology that the XR lab provides and enhance education for the benefit of current and future learners." Read more here

The Norfolk & Suffolk LSIP Report has now been approved by the DfE. The skills solutions outlined in the report are reflective of employer needs through a range of projects which will encourage greater collaboration with training providers.   We will now start to put the plan into action and continue to engage with businesses and offer support and guidance on the current skills provision available. We welcome any new initiatives/provision that are seen to support the future skills support for business growth.

Read the Local Skills Improvement Plan

Approved Norfolk and Suffolk LSIP

Norfolk and Suffolk LSIP – Appendix B

The LSIP Board provides direction, oversight, and review of the development of an effective LSIP for Norfolk and Suffolk. Find out who are the board members here