Local Digital Skills Partnership announced for Cheshire and Warrington

Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has been chosen by the Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) as one of three new Local Digital Skills Partnerships, alongside the South East and Cornwall and Isles of Scilly LEPs.

The Digital Skills Partnerships are part of an ongoing strategy by government to ensure the UK develops a world-leading digital economy.

The LEP’s employers, skills and education board – which includes representatives from Cirrus, Bentley Motors, Jungheinrich, Network Rail and the Daresbury Laboratory – have identified digital skills as a key, cross-cutting skills need that underpins every business in every sector from logistics through to automotive to financial services, digital skills are fundamental to local employers’ needs.

Christine Gaskell, chair of Cheshire and Warrington LEP and member of the National Digital Skills Partnership Board, said: “Cheshire and Warrington’s Digital Skills Partnership will turbo boost the digital skills activity that is already under way and deliver further growth, drawing on good practice, expertise and resources that are currently being developed nationally.

“Digital transformation is central to the future of our sub-regional economy and can secure sustainable growth.”

The Cheshire and Warrington Digital Skills Partnership will ensure training programmes are designed to provide employers and individuals with the digital skills needed to:

• Access digital technology
• Enable Cheshire and Warrington businesses to thrive
• Drive digital innovation and be at the forefront of Industry 4.0

Minister for Digital, Margot James, said: “I am determined to help people get good jobs and local businesses find people with the skills they need to grow and boost the economy.

“The new Cheshire and Warrington Local Digital Skills Partnership will help achieve this.

“Through our modern industrial strategy, we are committed to making sure everyone can enjoy the benefits of our thriving digital economy and help build a Britain fit for the future.”

Christine Gaskell added: “We are very excited to be a part of this initiative and to have a Local Digital Skills Partnership for Cheshire and Warrington.

“Being recognised by DCMS as one of the LEPs to deliver this project shows the great potential of Cheshire and Warrington to increase our digitally-focused economy and increase productivity.

“Having the right digital skills offers fantastic opportunities for schoolchildren and adults when choosing a role.

“Cheshire and Warrington LEP are keen to build upon our already dynamic economy by embracing and encouraging the skills our businesses need now and in the future.”

She added: “The Local Digital Skills Partnership will enable us to continue supporting the growth of our priority sectors as we move towards delivery of our Local Industrial Strategy.”