News & Events

The UK Government’s Autumn Budget 2025 has introduced significant reforms to apprenticeships, skills, and employer costs. These changes are designed to make it easier for businesses, particularly SMEs, to recruit, train, and retain young talent while reducing financial barriers. Budget Highlights for Employers Fully Funded Apprenticeships for SMEs employing under 25 year olds From August […]

Skills England has published fresh guidance to support the next phase of Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs), empowering regions like Cheshire and Warrington to tailor training to local economic needs. Skills England has unveiled a strategic roadmap to strengthen local skills systems across England, marking the start of the second round of Local Skills Improvement

Alliance launched in Cheshire to collaborate on filling local electrical skills gaps  An alliance bringing together local electrical businesses, industry bodies, education providers and public authorities has been launched in Cheshire. The collaboration, known as the Cheshire & Warrington Electrotechnical Training and Careers Alliance (ETCA), aims to take meaningful joint action to strengthen electrotechnical skills

The Youth Voice Census 2025, based on insights from over 8,000 young people aged 11–30 across the UK, delivers a sobering message: the next generation of workers is not thriving—they’re surviving. For businesses, this isn’t just a social concern. It’s a strategic imperative. With nearly a million young people not in education, employment, or training

Apprenticeships Work is a new campaign with a simple goal: to encourage more small businesses to take on apprentices. SMEs are the backbone of our economy and our communities, but often struggle to engage with the apprenticeship system. They represent 99.8% of businesses and 60% of total employment in the UK, but only employ 37%

WE WANT YOU The Northwest Apprenticeship Ambassador Network is part of the National Apprenticeship Ambassador Network, a group of employers and former/current apprentices who volunteer their time to encourage more employers to use high-quality apprenticeships, while inspiring more young people to pursue high-quality apprenticeships as a vibrant career route. What does an Apprenticeship Ambassador do? Proactively

Cheshire and Warrington LSIP is pleased to announce that it has signed the Get the Nation Learning Charter, joining a growing national movement of organisations committed to promoting lifelong learning and expanding opportunities for people of all ages. The charter is part of the Get the Nation Learning initiative, led by the Learning and Work

The Department for Education (DfE) and Strategic Development Network (SDN) are inviting employers to take part in shaping tomorrow’s workforce through T Level industry placements. A free webinar on Thursday, 25th September 2025 at 9:30 AM will introduce businesses to the benefits and practicalities of hosting these placements. T Level industry placements offer students a

We’re pleased to share the Cheshire & Warrington Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) 2025 Progress Report. This report highlights a year of collaboration between employers, training providers, and partners to align skills with business needs. Read the full report here!   What’s Inside: Direct BenefitsDiscover how LSIP initiatives are tackling skills shortages and bridging the

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has published a new Disability Confident Guide for managers helping them recruit, retain, and foster the progression of disabled people and those with health conditions in the workplace. DWP has worked in collaboration with the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development to develop the guidance to ensure employers