A team of organisations and individuals across Shropshire are working together to shape the region’s workforce strategy.
The Skills Task and Finish Group serves as a vital forum for sharing local intelligence, identifying employment trends, highlighting skills gaps, and addressing barriers to work. It was established by the Shropshire Economic Partnership (SEP) Board to implement the 2022–2027 Economic Strategy for Shropshire, focusing on collaborative efforts to drive positive action in the county.
The group brings together a wide variety of stakeholders, including representatives from the Department for Education (DfE), Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), education institutions, training providers, Shropshire Employment Support Service (Enable) and the Marches Careers Hub.
It is chaired by Ruth Ross the CEO of the Shropshire Chamber of Commerce and facilitated by officers from Shropshire Council’s Economy, Funding and Skills team, and Infrastructure Growth team.
Matt Potts, service manager for economy, funding and skills at Shropshire Council said,
“By bringing together experts from various organisations, we can share insights and develop a clearer understanding of the challenges faced by individuals and businesses in Shropshire. We can also assess the impact of national and regional policies on our local area.
“This collaboration is a two-way street; insights from our meetings feed directly into broader strategic planning processes, ensuring that local needs and opportunities are considered in both regional and national workforce development initiatives”
Members of the group also provide updates on new programmes and funding opportunities, aligning resources and initiatives with the evolving needs of Shropshire’s economy.
Matt Laws, vice principal technical and vocational education for Shrewsbury Colleges Group said,
“It is not only valuable to discuss challenges and barriers, but imperative to do so. The wealth of expertise and experience enables further opportunities for innovation and solution-finding.”
The Skills Task and Finish Group has completed a detailed report on the skills shortages in the county, leading to the first Retrofitting Shropshire event held last Autumn. The group has also played a crucial role in identifying skills projects and distributing UK Shared Prosperity Funding, which has significantly benefitted individuals and businesses in Shropshire.
Martin Latham, senior manager (The Marches), Gloucestershire, Worcestershire and The Marches Team said:
“This strategic partnership brings together key individuals and organisations committed to advancing Shropshire’s economic resilience by equipping residents and businesses with the critical skills necessary to thrive in today’s evolving workforce landscape.”
Rob Wilson, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet Member for transport and economic growth said:
“This collaborative approach ensures we not only address current challenges but also proactively shape a resilient and skilled workforce for the future.”
Further information
The Shropshire Economic Partnership (SEP) is a collaborative body in Shropshire, UK, designed to foster economic growth and sustainability. It brings together representatives from public, private, education, and voluntary sectors to act as a unified voice for Shropshire’s business community.
The SEP aims to promote investment, support local businesses, and enhance Shropshire’s reputation as a great place to do business.
