A new blueprint to tackle skills shortages across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire has identified artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, clean energy and digital technology as key priorities for the region over the next three years.
The Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP), published by Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, sets out how employers, colleges, universities and training providers will work together to equip local people with the skills needed for the jobs of the future.
The employer-led plan focuses on eight priority sectors: advanced manufacturing; clean energy; creative industries, digital and technology; agriculture and agri-tech; construction; health and social care; and logistics and distribution.
It warns that employers across every sector are reporting growing recruitment difficulties, while forecasting that the area will need around 60,000 more higher-level jobs by 2035 as lower-skilled roles decline.
Among the challenges highlighted in the report are more than 133,000 economically inactive working-age residents across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire, NEET rates that have more than doubled since 2019 and further education colleges already operating at an average of 96 per cent capacity.
The plan also says digital skills are now essential across every sector of the economy, with employers increasingly looking for expertise in AI, automation, cyber security and data analytics. It proposes a new local digital skills offer, expanded modular training and stronger pathways into specialist digital careers.
Other priorities include strengthening technical education, improving routes into employment for young people and those facing barriers to work, expanding leadership and management training, encouraging more businesses to invest in staff development and creating a more joined-up skills system.
Tom Nadin, head of project and business services at Staffordshire Chambers of Commerce, said: “The Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Local Skills Improvement Plan has been shaped directly by businesses across the region, and it reflects what they’ve told us they need: a workforce equipped for the roles of today and the emerging opportunities of tomorrow, from AI and clean energy to digital health and advanced manufacturing.
“As the region’s Employer Representative Body, we’ve worked closely with our local authorities, colleges, training providers and other key stakeholders to make sure this isn’t just a plan on paper, but a set of commitments that will genuinely improve conversion from training into employment.
“Skills provision and economic growth are two sides of the same coin. This LSIP gives us a shared roadmap to close the gaps employers are telling us about, and we’re committed to working with partners to deliver it.”
The Staffordshire plan is one of 39 Local Skills Improvement Plans published across England this month, covering the next three years.
Backed by Skills England, the plans are designed to ensure local training better reflects the needs of employers and supports economic growth, and to support the Government’s ambition for two-thirds of young people to participate in higher-level learning – whether academic, technical or through an apprenticeship – by the age of 25.
Phil Smith, chair of Skills England, said: “The Local Skills Improvement Plans give areas a clear roadmap that will help create better skills for better jobs all across the country.
“These LSIPs, alongside the emerging sector jobs plans and the other stakeholder dialogues we are having, is helping us build a much better picture of the skills needs throughout the nation.
“Skills England is excited to play a key role in that journey, so that employers and learners can benefit in local communities.”
Skills Minister Jacqui Smith added: “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.”
