OxLEP Skills

About us

OxLEP Skills aims to improve the provision of skills across Oxfordshire, ensuring the workforce is equipped with the tools needed to drive growth and innovation in the local economy.

Oxfordshire is home to a dynamic and innovative business landscape with world-leading assets in research and development, technology, healthcare and communications. Many of these key industries are changing, however, and the workforce must be equipped with new skills to ensure that local businesses have the human resources they need to successfully navigate this transition and thrive for generations to come.

Our Local Industrial Strategy, refreshed for 2023, sets out an ambitious plan to build on Oxfordshire’s strong foundations, driving the county’s ambition to become a top-three global innovation ecosystem by 2040. To achieve this, we will continue to need an adaptable and innovative workforce capable of meeting the present and future needs of the local economy.

In line with these aims, we work with educators, employers and training providers to deliver skills initiatives aimed at providing young people and local businesses with the skills that they really benefit from.

Watch our short film to find out all about OxLEP Skills and how we are working with local schools/colleges, training providers and employers to inform and inspire young people and create opportunities for work and training for local people.

What we do

Local Skills Improvement Plans

Executing the government’s blueprint for reshaping the technical skills system to better suit the needs of employers and the wider economy.

The Social Contract

Strategic funding aimed to address the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, including barriers to employment and training for the most marginalised groups.

Community Employment Plans

Guidance for employers on how to implement a Community Employment Plan that improves access to jobs and training for local people.

Skills Capital Projects

Investment in skills capital infrastucture supporting the delivery of specialist skills and training outcomes through the use of the most up-to-date facillities and equipment.

Our approach

We work closely with a network of educators, employers and training providers to develop a strategic and coordinated approach to skills provision that supports the county’s growth ambitions.

Our aim is to ensure young people are prepared for the fast-changing world of work and provide employers with the right talent and skills in order to stay and grow in Oxfordshire.

Useful resources

Local Industrial Strategy

Our long-term plan to position the county as one of the top-three global innovation ecosystems.

Economic Recovery Plan

An economic route map for recovery for local businesses from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Local Skills Report and Plan

Our plan to drive recovery and economic renewal across the county in the near term.

Ethnic Minority Communities Report

A report into the skills and employment of Oxfordshire’s ethnic minority communities.

Our team

Sally

Andreou

Skills Hub Manager

Sarah

Marlow

Skills Hub Deputy Manager

Catherine

Armstrong

Community Employment
Plan Advisor

Nikki

Wakefield

Careers Hub Lead

Upcoming events

We offer a wide range of free in-person and virtual events focusing on skills development to young people and business leaders.

Swalcliffe Park School Work Experience

Swalcliffe Park School Work Experience

September 4, 2024 - July 11, 2025    
All Day
Year 11, Year 12, Year 13
We are looking for employers to host students for work experience in 2024/25. Please contact Emma - eciballi@swalcliffepark.co.uk or call on 07826369727.
Becoming an Inclusive Employer Training

Becoming an Inclusive Employer Training

September 19, 2024    
10:00 am - 3:30 pm
NA
Oxfordshire Careers Hub, a partnership between OxLEP Skills and the Careers and Enterprise Company, has arranged for BASE (British Association of Supported Employment) to deliver [...]
10 Oct

Post-16 Evening

October 10, 2024    
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
11
Our annual Year 11 post-16 evening. All our Year 11 students and one parent are invited. 5pm: stalls can set up 6-7pm: talks in the [...]