Skills

Despite the large number and diversity of businesses in Greater Lincolnshire the areas sometimes struggles to overcome a perception that jobs in the area require little or no skill. This perception is wrong, and the evidence we have gathered shows that even in the most traditional sectors, there is an existing and growing demand for skills levels that are higher than the working age population currently has.  

The Local Skills Report for 2022, and The Skills Advisory Panel (SAP) Analysis 2020 provides evidence that there will not be enough sufficiently skilled people in Greater Lincolnshire to fill future job vacancies, and there are already challenges in filling technical and professional roles at Level 3, a picture that is mirrored across the UK. 

One of the largest tasks over the next decade will be replacing people leaving work through retirement. 'Replacement demand' is vital to our region as the working-age population of Greater Lincolnshire is shrinking. It is predicted that for every year up until at least 2030, the population of working-age individuals will fall. Consequently, this means that even in sectors that have falling employment levels, there will still be demand for jobs and skills to replace people who retire.

Tackling job vacancies in areas of economic strength and growth in Greater Lincolnshire, as well as within other sectors and occupations, is therefore an important priority.

Adults who are already in work, or are thinking of returning to work, will be an important part of the solution as there are insufficient numbers of school leavers over the next few years to fill the vacancies that are predicted at Level 3 and above.    

The LEP therefore has two main skills priorities:

1) To inspire and support young people to stay and work in the area.
2) To train and support people who are already working, or seeking jobs, so that they gain the skills needed to take up future job vacancies.

For information about the Employment and Skills Advisory Panel (ESAP) please click here.