The North East Chamber of Commerce (NECC) is asking business owners and training providers in Sunderland, Tyne and Wear, to share their views on local skills needs. This feedback will inform the Chamber’s consultation for the 2026–2029 Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) and help shape which courses and apprenticeships local colleges and training centres prioritise during that period.
The Chamber is using surveys, one‑to‑one interviews, and sector roundtables to identify the specific skills employers need now. This work sits alongside the North East Local Skills Improvement Plan (NELSIP) and the employer‑led skills activity in the region that is focused on preparing for increased electric‑vehicle and EV powertrain activity, including Nissan’s next‑generation EV production and the JATCO powertrain facility.
Information collected will be shared with local education and training providers and the North East Combined Authority. These organisations will use the data to help align training programmes with employers’ actual workplace needs.
Local Skills Improvement Plans now have statutory status under the Skills and Post‑16 Education Act 2022 and associated statutory guidance. As statutory documents, approved LSIPs carry significant weight: employers’ priorities set out in them will strongly influence how post‑16 provision is planned and how some government‑funded training is allocated locally, and providers are under a duty to co‑operate with Employer Representative Bodies. The aim is to prevent labour shortages as major local projects — notably Nissan’s ramp‑up of next‑generation LEAF production (series production began in December 2025) and the JATCO EV powertrain facility (scheduled to be operational from 2026) — increase demand for specialist technical skills.
By taking part, local firms can help ensure residents gain the technical skills needed for upcoming job opportunities. Business owners can join the consultation and find the survey and event information on the NECC’s LSIP page: https://www.necc.co.uk/lsip/.
