Liverpool City Region welcomes three-year extension of Local Skills Improvement Plan

Liverpool City Region Chambers of Commerce welcomed the extension of the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) for another three years. 

The scheme is business-led and focuses on matching training pathways with local economic growth and business needs.

The chambers in Halton, Knowsley and Wirral, led by Liverpool Chamber and working with Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, launched the 2026-29 plan at an event held at Bruntwood’s Cotton Exchange building in Liverpool. 

Jane Clappison, LSIP employer engagement and project coordinator at Liverpool Chamber, said: “As a collective, we have been working closely with employers and educators across the city region for many months and the government’s decision to extend LSIPs for three more years means that collaboration can continue to provide the training that young people need for the jobs of tomorrow.

“The driving force behind LSIPs is to deliver meaningful change for both employers and local communities. 

“We can only do this through closer ties with colleges and universities so that teachers understand the various growth areas in the Liverpool City Region and know how to adapt their curricula and signpost their students towards those careers.”

Andy Dockerty, director at Adlib, said: “While we have seen success through initiatives such as the Skills Bootcamp and school engagement in Knowsley, there remains a large gap between the needs of industry and the delivery and funding of training. 

“It is impossible for education to look forward while it is fighting simply to stay where it is.