Cumbria Chamber of Commerce’s fourth and final Power 40 this year saw business leaders meet for a skills-focused event at a county college.
The event, at Lakes College. Lillyhall, near Workington, started with a tour led by principal Chris Nattress, which took in the college’s state-of-the-art facilities including the Business Suite, Construction Skills Centre and National College for Nuclear.
The focus on training students in new and in demand technologies was evident with facilities for studying air-source heat pumps and using virtual reality to enhance the learning experience.
After the tour, the group then watched a presentation on Cumbria’s Local Skills Improvement Plan by Cumbria chamber managing director, Suzanne Caldwell.
She discussed some of the key skills challenges faced by businesses in the county and gave details on the work underway to tackle them, such as:
- The Tourism Talent Hub – an online resource paring candidates with roles and training in the hospitality industry
- Construction Industry Training Board’s (CITB) green skills resources
- Engagement with schools and colleges aimed at developing employability skills in young people
- Promoting alternative pathways to recruitment, including employing ex-offenders
The group then headed to the college’s in-house restaurant for a three-course festive meal cooked and served by the hospitality and catering students.
Ms Caldwell said: “It showcased to local business leaders Lakes College’s cutting-edge facilities and commitment to innovation and embracing new technology in training the next generation.
“This collaboration between industry and education is vital in nurturing the skills needed for Cumbrian businesses to thrive in the rapidly evolving business environment. Not only that we enjoyed a tremendous Christmas dinner – thanks to the great Lakes College students!”
Mr Nattress said: “A key part of our college mission is to work in partnership with employers and industry representatives in our region to develop the highly skilled people and talent pipeline our economy needs now and round the corner.
“We are a full part of the Local Skills Improvement Plan for Cumbria developed by the chamber of commerce and welcomed the opportunity to meet with so many employers at the event. I was naturally very proud of our catering students and staff who put on a cracking Christmas meal.”
