In a month when three Somerset colleges were firmly placed among the top further education providers in the country, a new report has revealed that Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs) are delivering real results for employers, colleges, training providers, and learners across the country, writes David Crew.
The analysis by the British Chambers of Commerce has delved into the performance of employer-led LSIPs across England over the past four years.
It highlights the success of the LSIP model in engaging employers at scale, strengthening collaboration between education and business, and translating employer insight into practical change on the ground.
This includes the development of new courses, upgraded facilities, and improved alignment between training and jobs.
But special mention must also be made of UCS College Group, Yeovil College, and Weston College, all three of which have been awarded prestigious Technical Excellence College (TEC) status by the government.
UCS College Group is a clean energy TEC, Yeovil College has secured defence TEC, and Weston College has been named as an advanced manufacturing TEC.
It’s a huge achievement and testament to the hard work and quality of the colleges we have right here in Somerset.
We have been working with the colleges and other training providers in partnership with Business West Chambers of Commerce to deliver the Somerset LSIP, working with employers and partners to identify priority skills needs and turn them into meaningful action for businesses and learners.
More than 1,260 businesses have engaged with the Somerset LSIP in 2025/2026 about their skills needs, across sectors such as digital and data, construction and the built environment, health and social care, and low carbon and energy.
Some £5,061,145 funding was awarded to colleges in the area between 2023 and 2025 as part of the Local Skills Improvement Fund (LSIF), which allowed for the creation of new courses, upgraded facilities and equipment, and improvements in teaching capability and delivery.
By putting employers at the heart of skills planning, LSIPs are ensuring training and education provision reflects the real needs of the local economy.
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