South Hampshire College Group has been awarded a £2.5million skills fund boost, which is set to benefit learners across the region including here on the Isle of Wight. The investment is strategically aimed at supporting colleges, universities, and independent training providers in offering more training opportunities in key industries. This will include HTP Apprentice College and the Isle of Wight College here on the Island. To date, the initiative has seen £80million worth of funding distributed nationwide between 2023 to 2024 (£40million revenue and £40million capital), with £85million capital planned for 2024 to 2025. It forms part of a larger £200million package of skills funding from the Department for Education (DfE). The Solent region has pinpointed several key developmental sectors, including a focus on the creative industry. Efforts will be directed towards enhancing skills in production arts, set design and construction, stage management, and light and sound technician roles. The initiative will also address the Maritime and Freeport sectors, concentrating on filling skill gaps in logistics, supply chain management, digital innovation, and the adoption of alternative fuels. Additionally, the initiative involves considerable investment in research and development. It aims to improve higher-level progression pathways, expand outreach programmes, and implement activities that elevate employability and engagement. Health and social care are also a priority, with a focus on addressing the shortage in health-related digital skills, immersive healthcare technology, assisted diagnostics, and specialist roles in anticipatory and critical care. 
Andrew Kaye, CEO of South Hampshire College Group, has said:
“The LSIF award is a recognition of the excellent joint efforts in our region, especially in supporting the development of the Solent LSIP. “We are proud to have led the consortium that put together a strong funding bid, in response to the skills gap research undertaken by Hampshire Chamber of Commerce. This targeted investment provides our region with the skilled workforce needed for growth and development and state-of-the-art industry facilities and equipment, ensuring education meets the changing needs of our local economy. We are eager to see the beneficial impact this will have on our students, local businesses and the wider community.”
Education Secretary Gillian Keegan has said:
“This investment is about boosting local industries, building people’s skills and ultimately futureproofing our economy and the career prospects of the next generation. “Our local skills projects will bring together regional organisations, businesses, and education providers to respond to the specific needs of employers, building an increasingly skilled workforce and growing local economies. “Whether it is green skills, construction, engineering or digital, thousands more people can now gain the skills they need to secure good jobs closer to home. These are long-term plans that will ensure every area can have a brighter future.”
Other colleges and training providers benefiting from the Local Skills Improvement Fund (LSIF) include Brockenhurst College, HSDC, City of Portsmouth College, Itchen Sixth Form College, Barton Peveril Sixth Form College, PETA, UTC Portsmouth, and Lighthouse Learning Trust.
