The Essex Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) highlights the critical importance of soft skills and behaviours for employers. New and returning employees often lack essential skills like listening, speaking, problem-solving, and teamwork. Leadership is also a key priority.

The June 2024 update noted that colleges have started focusing more on these soft skills. Actions from the original LSIP were revisited, including a framework by FEDEC to systematically develop these skills.

The LSIP team are leading on this significant work to gather information through interviews, research, and contributions from colleges and organisations. 

The resulting report will provide recommendations and solutions for moving forward.

Next Steps:

1.    Implementation of a Soft Skills Framework: FEDEC will continue to explore and implement a systematic framework for developing soft skills and behaviours across all training programs.

2.    Awareness and Promotion: Increase awareness of the importance of soft skills among employers, training providers, and learners through targeted campaigns and workshops.

By taking these steps, we aim to create a cohesive and supportive environment that empowers individuals to develop the essential skills needed for successful careers, ultimately driving positive economic and social outcomes for our community.