Two new appointments have been made to a group that enhances employment opportunities across the borough.
The Thames Valley Berkshire Local Enterprise Partnerships’ (LEP) Skills, Education and Employment Strategy Group is made up of several leaders from local businesses and education.
Together the group provide direction and support for the delivery of the Thames Valley Strategic Economic Plan as well as addressing local skills challenges and implementing change for current and future generations.
Commenting on the significance of her new role, Sarah Atkinson, Corporate Social Responsibility Director at FTSE 100 Micro Focus and trustee at Berkshire Youth- a charity that works to support, empower and inspire young people- said: “There is currently a war for talent, therefore engaging underrepresented groups such as women and minorities is critical for addressing the skills gap.
“I’m looking forward to working with the group to help our local population build the right skills and to target underrepresented talent through sector specific projects, outreach activities and the removal of barriers to work. A good tech skills foundation is key, and everyone has a role to play in that.”
Thames Valley Berkshire LEP has invested an additional £3.1m of local growth funds to support skills capital projects including a care skills training centre at Reading College.
In collaboration with Reading Berkshire Hospital, the initiative will focus on the healthcare sector and include training sessions designed to prepare participants for hospital and emergency care scenarios.
The organisation has also invested in a new purpose-built centre at Newbury college to address key sectors including digital technologies, business and finance, engineering, health and social care, and construction.
Maggie Neale, Workforce Development Manager for Berkshire West NHS, added, “Skills are an important issue in the healthcare sector right now. Without a skilled and motivated workforce, healthcare care providers will struggle to continue to provide the excellent care that we all expect.
Ms Neale added: “I want to use my role on the Strategy Group to help equip young people with the right skills to help create a more prosperous future for Berkshire. I also want to inspire them that healthcare can be a fantastic and rewarding career to pursue.”For more information about Thames Valley Berkshire LEP’s Skills Group log on to www.thamesvalleyberkshire.co.uk/skills-and-employment.
