These quarterly sessions are part of the Essex Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP)—a Department for Education (DfE) initiative aimed at reshaping skills training so it aligns more closely with the real-world needs of businesses and the local economy. A key takeaway? Technical know-how matters, but soft skills and workplace behaviours are just as critical in building a workforce ready for the challenges of modern business.
As part of this ongoing work, LSIP is launching “The Education Landscape – A Guide for Essex Employers”, a new resource to help local organisations better understand and navigate the skills and training ecosystem.
The roundtable isn’t just talk—it’s action. It gives employers a platform to voice the challenges they’re facing, from attracting new talent to upskilling existing teams, and to influence how training and policy adapt to meet those needs.
Reflecting on the most recent event, Jo Giles from Essex Chambers of Commerce commented:
“Employers must remain central to the discussion. It is through such events that policy and, crucially, language can be held accountable. We must always remember ‘The Why,’ enabling employers to help shape ‘The What’ and ‘The How.’ Thank you immensely for hosting. There is much to reflect upon.”
A big thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to this important dialogue in March. These are not just discussions—they’re building blocks for a more skilled and future-ready Essex.
If you’d like to be part of the next session, please get in touch with Leah Holdeman, Head of Sales and Marketing Essex at First Intuition, via leahholdeman@firstintuition.co.uk.