Hull and East Yorkshire skills plan approved
A strategy aimed at strengthening workforce pipelines across the region has got the go-ahead from the government, with employers and training providers set to shape skills provision over the next three years.
The Hull and East Yorkshire Local Skills Improvement Plan (HEY LSIP 2.0) has been approved by Skills England and will guide skills development, training priorities, and workforce planning across the region between 2026 and 2029.
The plan has been developed by Hull & Humber Chamber of Commerce, as the designated employer representative body, in partnership with Hull & East Yorkshire Combined Authority. It will be delivered through the HEY LSIP board, which brings together employers, education providers and local authorities.
The strategy has been aligned with the region’s Local Growth Plan and aims to ensure training provision better reflects the needs of businesses and priority sectors, including industries facing ongoing recruitment and skills challenges.
Rather than focusing solely on qualifications, the plan takes a broader approach by supporting workforce pipelines, career pathways, and the development of skills needed to drive economic growth.
Four key themes will shape delivery over the next three years: improving technical skills provision to meet employer demand; strengthening employability and routes into work; supporting the education workforce with industry knowledge; and creating a more coordinated skills network to help businesses access training, funding and support.
The government approval forms part of a wider programme covering 39 Local Skills Improvement Plans across England, designed to provide greater insight into regional economic priorities and workforce requirements.
For the construction and development sector, the strategy provides a framework for closer collaboration between employers, colleges and training providers to help address skills shortages, improve access to technical training and support the future supply of skilled workers.
Cllr 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.”
