SEMLEP sets strategic direction for skills development

Pat Brennan-Barrett

The South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP) appoints a new Chair of the Skills Advisory Panel to implement a new route map designed to priorities employment and skills in the South East Midlands.

Northampton College Principal, Pat Brennan-Barrett has taken on the role. Pat is perfectly placed to oversee this challenge with 25 years of senior leadership experience in education.

In the role of Skills Advisory Panel Chair, Pat will work with fellow panel members to continue to build an inclusive talent pipeline of people with the attributes and skills required for our modern, dynamic and competitive economy. The Skills Advisory Panel sets the skills strategy for the area, using employer-driven labour market information derived from data analysis, research and consultation with employers, sector bodies and educators.

Pat says: “I am delighted to be given the responsibility of overseeing the work of SEMLEP’s Skills Advisory Panel as we continue to create the workforce of the future, with a generation of hungry, adaptable and digital-savvy young people at its core.

“This work will help ensure employers have access to a wave of new recruits who are fully equipped with the skills they need to be able to hit the ground running and make a difference in the workplace from day one.

“This region is at the very heart of Britain’s post-pandemic recovery and we can be the driving force for the whole nation as we build back better.”

SEMLEP’s new Skills Strategy evaluates the area’s current employment and skills landscape and sets the strategic direction for recovery from the pandemic and future growth, including a detailed action plan for the future.

Paul Thompson, Employer and Skills Manager at SEMLEP, added: “As we work to rebuild, our employment and skills work is of vital importance. As a key part of the skills community, Pat is perfectly placed to bring considerable knowledge and drive to help ensure delivery of the action plans within the new strategy.

“The Local Skills Report is published at an extraordinary time. Despite the challenges we all face, we have the opportunity to ensure people have the skills they need to thrive through innovative education and training to match that of our businesses.”

To find out more information about SEMLEP’s skills and employment work, visit www.semlep.com/skills.