A leading Cumbrian business organisation has published a plan to align local training provision with the skills demanded by employers.
Cumbria Chamber of Commerce released the Cumbria Local Skills Improvement Plan 2026-2029 to support economic growth, productivity and inclusion across the county.
The plan was developed through engagement with employers and partners to identify priority needs and turn them into meaningful action for businesses and learners.
It brings together employers, education providers, local authorities, Cumbria Combined Authority and employment partners to address local skills needs.
This shared approach aims to ensure co-ordinated action across education and employment, while aligning with programmes including Get Cumbria Working.
Building on the 2023-2025 plan, it identifies advanced manufacturing, construction, energy and net zero, health and social care, land-based industries and the visitor economy as priority sectors.
The chamber said the document would continue to develop over its life as further research continued.
It encouraged employers, providers and other partners to stay engaged to ensure the plan made an impact.
Suzanne Caldwell, managing director of Cumbria Chamber of Commerce and lead for the plan, said: “Working in genuine partnership with partners across both the private and public sectors is essential for LSIPs to be truly successful.
“By putting employers at the heart of skills planning, LSIPs ensure training reflects the real needs of the local economy, strengthening collaboration and improving outcomes for learners while helping businesses plan for the future.
“This new plan builds on that foundation, addressing the economic challenges and skills gaps businesses are telling us about and ensuring provision across further and higher education is better co-ordinated, more relevant, and more accessible than ever before.”
John Barradell OBE, interim chief executive of Cumbria Combined Authority, said: “This plan reflects what businesses across Cumbria have been telling us they need, and that’s why we fully support it.
“It fits with our wider plans to grow the local economy and take more control of our future through devolution, and sets out clear, practical actions.
“It gives colleges and training providers a better idea of where to focus, so people can train for the jobs that are actually out there. That means clearer, more achievable routes into work for local people.
“We’ve worked closely with Cumbria Chamber of Commerce and other partners to shape this together, and it shows what can be done when we all pull in the same direction.”
Jacqui Smith, Minister for Skills, said: “For too long too many people have been locked out of opportunity, and businesses have struggled to recruit the skilled staff they need to build their workforce.
“Local leaders have a unique insight into the skills needs and opportunities in their area, which is why we are putting them in the driving seat to support their community.
“Our reforms, including to the Growth and Skills Levy and the Youth Guarantee, will build a workforce prepared for the demands of today as well as the jobs of tomorrow.”
