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.
North Oxfordshire Academy - Careers and Apprenticeship Fair
Year 10 Work Experience Week - Didcot Girls School
Human Library at North Oxfordshire Academy
