post

Businesses are being urged to get involved with a new initiative designed to address local skills issues and support economic growth.

The Skills Service was launched at the Opportunity Peterborough Bondholder Breakfast on 14 May and will provide a co-ordinated approach between businesses, education and training providers in Peterborough, Fenland,Rutland, King’s Lynn and West Norfolk.

Responding to local business needs identified through the work of Greater Cambridge Greater Peterborough Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and the proven results of the Peterborough Skills Service, the LEP is funding this ground-breaking project which will be delivered by the city’s economic development company, Opportunity Peterborough.

Mark Reeve, Chairman of the LEP, said: “One of our key areas of focus at the LEP is the delivery of skills that meet the needs of our business community. By funding The Skills Service we are delivering on our commitment to strengthen the links between businesses, education, and training providers, by putting skills delivery at the heart of our work.”

A new team has been recruited to co-ordinate activities between businesses and organisations that can access young people in order to raise their aspirations and increase their awareness of local career opportunities. The team will also work with businesses to help link them to training for their staff, provide workshops on the benefits of a highly skills team to the bottom line, and promote apprenticeships.

On 10 July The Skills Service is delivering the second annual Careers Festival on Peterborough Embankment, aiming to attract over 150 businesses and training providers and over 5000 young people.

Sue Addison, Project Manager for The Skills Service, said: “We’re really excited about the opportunities the new funding will bring and look forward to helping businesses to grow with a more highly skilled workforce.”

To find out more or to get involved email info@theskillsservice.co.uk, call 01733 317441 or contact us on Twitter @UK_Skills.