Employers across Greater Manchester are being called upon to play an active role in shaping the region’s future talent pipeline as the Greater Manchester Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) is relaunched.
Jointly delivered by Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), the LSIP strengthens the voice of business in addressing skills shortages and developing clear pathways into good-quality employment. The plan also underpins inclusive growth across the city region’s six designated growth locations, identified as priority areas for investment and job creation.
As part of Greater Manchester’s broader ambition to create a prosperous region where residents can access meaningful work and employers can secure the skilled workforce they need, the LSIP ensures that the area’s skills system is shaped by real employer insight. Developed through close collaboration between businesses, education providers and GMCA, the plan outlines current and emerging skills needs in key sectors such as digital, green technologies and advanced manufacturing.
By aligning training provision with Greater Manchester’s economic objectives, the LSIP aims to drive inclusive growth, raise productivity and equip local people with the capabilities required to succeed in a rapidly evolving labour market.
During the initial LSIP cycle (Autumn 2022 – Summer 2025), input from more than 3,000 employers highlighted sector-specific and geographical skills gaps, alongside strategic priorities including digital literacy, numeracy, leadership and management, and green skills essential for achieving the city region’s net zero ambitions. In response, colleges and training providers have already introduced bespoke courses to meet these needs.
The next phase will further embed the LSIP into strategic planning and delivery, giving employers an even stronger platform to influence the skills and talent critical to their success.
Chris Fletcher, Policy & GMLSIP Director at Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, said: “Following the success of the first phase of the LSIP, we’re keen to build on that momentum with employers to better understand the impact of skills shortages.
“Businesses across Greater Manchester now have an opportunity through the LSIP to send a clear message to local and central government about the skills they value most and the jobs they need to fill to grow. Their input is critical to shaping training that supports innovation, sustainability and Greater Manchester’s net zero ambitions.”
Cllr Eamonn O’Brien, Greater Manchester’s Lead for Education, Work and Skills, said: “Greater Manchester is a great place to do business, and we want to keep it that way by making sure local people have the right skills and a clear pathway to the jobs our economy needs.
“The LSIP brings employers and training providers together to close skills gaps and open up opportunities. It supports the ambitions of the Greater Manchester Strategy, creating a fairer, more inclusive economy where everyone can benefit from growth.”
Dr Andrew Roberts, Chair of Governors, Bolton College, said: “Identifying local skills needs and aligning a responsive curriculum is a strategic priority for Bolton College. The LSIP report plays a key role in shaping the college’s understanding of the borough’s workforce requirements.”
