Make best use of available talent... to help address the potential future workforce decline

Cumbria LEP’s People, Employment and Skills Strategy Groups’ key priorities in this area are:

• The development of a place marketing campaign that celebrates our workers and reflects the careers opportunities available in Cumbria
• The development of a longitudinal relationship with young people to inform them of opportunities in Cumbria at every point in their learning journey
• Build a curriculum for inclusive growth that builds on strengths across the skills system. This includes:
  • An effective approach to transition at key points
  • A clear understanding of employer skills needs
  • A technical education vision
  • Building an enterprising culture
  • A clear understanding of the current and future skills offer
  • Demonstrate career pathways across growth sectors
  • A strong approach to digital skills
  • Meeting the needs of older workers
  • Securing a consistent approach to employability skills
  • An employer led Higher Skills offer
• Deliver a Careers Strategy for Cumbria, including:
  • Effective co-ordination of experiences
  • A stable Careers Education workforce
  • A campaign promoting opportunities
  • An approach to Careers Education for all ages
• Develop a programme of co-ordinated activities to retain older workers in the workforce

CASE STUDY: The Edge Project

The Edge is a European Social Fund Project, co-financed by the Education and Skills Funding Agency, as part of the Employees Support in Skills Project commissioned by Cumbria LEP.

It is led by accountable body Carlisle College and delivered by a partnership of experienced providers of training and business support.

The Edge offers funded training solutions up to Level 4 and supports to recruit apprentices to help Cumbria in its aim to have one of the fastest growing economies in the country.

Cumbria LEP will channel almost £14 million of ESF resource into The Edge programme over a five-year period, through to July 2021, to help deliver:

• Funded training opportunities for employees to develop the skills that will enable them to progress in employment
• Support for businesses undergoing industrial restructure with funded training and employability support for staff at risk of redundancy

Eligible businesses much have a base in Cumbria and employ fewer than 250 employees.