The Department for Education (DfE) recently announced a £200m package of skills funding to support colleges, universities and independent training providers to offer more training opportunities in key industries, such as the growing green sector. 

The Investment is being targeted to address the specific skills needs of each region, which local businesses and employers have identified as priority sectors in their Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs), giving them access to the skilled workforce they need to grow.

In Essex, Southend on Sea and Thurrock the LSIP has been led by the Essex Chambers of Commerce, working with a range of businesses and training providers.

The successful bid to the DfE for the Local Skills Improvement fund (LSIF) to help implement the LSIP was led by Harlow College, on behalf of a consortium of further education providers and independent training providers from across the county. 

The £5.55m awarded to Essex will provide new skills training in green skills, digital, creative and cultural, green construction, health and social care, education, engineering and manufacturing - all sectors where skills will be in demand in Essex over the coming years. Deputy Principal Will Allanson said ‘“Harlow College are pleased to be part of the Local Skills Improvement Fund. It is wonderful to be receiving this investment from the DfE which will allow us to develop the infrastructure, resources and equipment available to us and our provider partners across Greater Essex. New facilities in electric vehicle maintenance, renewable energy training and digital skills labs will support learners prepare for careers in the motor, construction and digital industries.”

Commenting on the award Denise Rossiter, Chief Executive of the Essex Chambers of Commerce said: “I am delighted with the announcement of the award of around £5.5m to Essex to help us begin to address the skills needs of employers across the county, as identified in our local skills improvement plan. The award is testament to the excellent collaborative work done by the Chambers, businesses and further education providers to develop the LSIP and of Harlow College in leading the consortium of providers who constructed a strong bid for funding.”

The funding will allow Harlow College to deliver free training courses to Greater Essex based businesses, delivered either at the College or at an employer’s workplace. These can be existing College courses or tailor-made training programmes to suit your business needs. The College have already provided onsite training for a local Essex based aviation sector employer, offering tailor-made training to employees looking to upskill in the service and maintenance of key engine and hydraulic components.

If you are a Greater Essex based employer looking to access potential cost-free training, please contact us to discuss the training requirements for your business.

Call 01279 868100 or e-mail to explore how the Local Skills Improvement Fund and Harlow College can help you!

Your Guide to LSIF Funding and what this means for your business