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<p>We are working closing with the West Midlands Combined Authority on the implementation
of the Skills Deal, which is designed to help tackle the skills and productivity gap
in the region. This includes supporting them to maximise the opportunities of the
Apprenticeship Levy; and to drive adult learning and retraining in digital skills
via a pilot that will inform the National Retraining Scheme.</p><p> </p><p>From the
2019/20 academic year, the adult education budget will be devolved to the West Midlands
Combined Authority. Once devolved, the combined authority will decide how best to
use this funding, to meet the needs of their residents and the local economy. The
department has worked very closely with officials in the combined authority to support
their preparations, and a strong relationship has been established. A Memorandum of
Understanding between the department and the combined authority establishes a collaborative
way of working at all levels to maximise the potential of adult education devolution.</p><p>
</p><p>We are also establishing Skills Advisory Panels, which bring together local
employers and skills providers to pool knowledge on skills and labour market needs,
and to work together to understand and address key local challenges. Both the West
Midlands Mayoral Combined Authority and Greater Lincolnshire Local Enterprise Partnership
were in the first phase of local areas, working with the department to develop the
policy. The West Midlands Combined Authority has already held its inaugural meeting
of its Skills Advisory Panel in November 2018. The department is working with all
panels across England, including in the Midlands, to establish their Skills Advisory
Panels by October 2019, in line with the guidance[1] the department published in December
2018.</p><p> </p><p>We are also supporting, alongside other government departments,
the Midlands Engine’s Vision for Growth, which includes tackling the mismatch between
business skills needs and the skill levels of residents in the region.</p><p> </p><p>
</p><p>[1] Department for Education (DfE) (December 2018) Skills Advisory Panels:
Guidance on the Role and Governance, available at: <a href="https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/762629/Skills_Advisory_Panels-Guidance_on_the_Role_and_Governance.pdf"
target="_blank">https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/762629/Skills_Advisory_Panels-Guidance_on_the_Role_and_Governance.pdf</a>
and DfE (December 2018) Skills Advisory Panels Analytical Toolkit, avaialbe at: <a
href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/skills-advisory-panels-analytical-toolkit"
target="_blank">https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/skills-advisory-panels-analytical-toolkit</a>.</p><p>
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