Businesses across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland are being encouraged to help shape the future skills of the region's workforce through a new employer-led initiative that will influence education and training across schools, colleges and universities.
The refreshed Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP), led by East Midlands Chamber, sets out the skills priorities that will help employers access the talent they need while ensuring education providers deliver training that reflects the realities of today's workplace.
As one of the region's higher education partners, De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) is working alongside businesses, colleges and training providers to support delivery of the plan through new apprenticeships, professional development and flexible learning opportunities.
The three-year plan has identified five priorities for the region:
- Working together to identify the skills employers need
- Preparing trainees and graduates for the workplace
- Strengthening digital and artificial intelligence skills
- Developing green skills to support the transition to Net Zero
- Making skills provision more flexible and inclusive
Businesses are now being invited to share their insight to help shape future education and training provision. Click here to help.
Professor Jill Cowley, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Extended Education at De Montfort University, said: "Working closely with employers is helping De Montfort University reshape its education and training offer. We're developing new apprenticeships, professional courses and flexible learning opportunities that respond to the changing needs of businesses, supporting both the next generation entering the workforce and those already in employment who need to develop new skills.
"The Local Skills Improvement Plan is an important opportunity to strengthen those partnerships and ensure higher education continues to meet the needs of our region, and we look forward to continuing to work with the Chamber to support the local workforce."
The Local Skills Improvement Plan has been developed through extensive research and engagement with employers, education providers and regional stakeholders to ensure training reflects the needs of key growth sectors.
Richard Blackmore, Director of Policy and Insight at East Midlands Chamber, said: "Helping shape a level of training and education that is fit for purpose is much more than teaching young people the basics.
"It is becoming more and more important to teach them the skills to be able to communicate, to problem solve and use technology in ways that have never been considered before. AI, for instance, is going to play a part in more and more jobs in the coming years, in industries ranging from design and finance to construction, logistics, defence, health and social care. And having the skills to use that technology in those sectors will be vital to economic success.
"Some of the best people to determine what our teenagers and young adults should be taught are the businesses that will one day employ them. The process must be employer-led. The new skills plan is the best way to give businesses a louder voice in shaping post-16 technical education and skills provision."
Businesses can contribute to the Local Skills Improvement Plan by completing the employer survey through East Midlands Chamber using the link above. Feedback will help shape future skills provision across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland, ensuring education providers continue to respond to the needs of employers and support regional economic growth.
For more information about how DMU works with employers through apprenticeships, professional training and business partnerships, click here
Posted on Monday 13 July 2026