Shaping skills for a stronger future!

How did the Local Skills Improvement Plans come about?

The LSIP Journey.​

Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs) were introduced through the Skills and Post-16 Education Act 2022 to place employers at the heart of local skills planning. Their purpose is to ensure that post-16 education and training provision is better aligned with the skills needs of employers, local economies, and growth sectors.​

Developed during 2022 and 2023 following extensive engagement with employers, education providers, local authorities, and other key stakeholders. These plans identified the priority skills challenges facing each area and set out practical actions to strengthen the local skills system.​

LSIPs cover the whole of England. There are currently 39 LSIP areas, each led by a designated Employer Representative Body (ERB), working in partnership with employers, further education providers, universities, local authorities, combined authorities, and training organisations.​

The original West Midlands and Warwickshire LSIP operated as a single employer-led skills plan from 2023. Following the Government's review of LSIP geographies, it was formally divided into separate West Midlands and Warwickshire LSIPs in August 2025, allowing each area to focus more closely on its distinct economic priorities and skills needs.