North East Local Skills Improvement Plan (NELSIP)

The NEAA has been reappointed by the Department for Education as the designated Employer Representative Body for the NELSIP 2026–2029, expanded to integrate the current North of Tyne LSIP and NELSIP area, covering the entire North East Combined Authority region.

Working with businesses, education and training providers, key stakeholders and cross-sector Employer Representative Bodies, this alignment will ensure that local skills provision reflects the needs of employers and emerging opportunities across strategically important sectors.

The content of this report is final and approved by the Secretary of State.

Read the NELSIP Progress Report to learn about the current project delivery status.

The North East Local Skills Improvement Plan (NELSIP) will set out the key changes needed to ensure post-16 technical education and training is responsive to the needs of employers in the region. The NELSIP will be employer-led and drive the actions needed to supply the current and future workforce required to improve productivity, growth, and investment in those sectors key to the economic success of the region, including advanced manufacturing.

The new NELSIP will reflect current strengths and emerging opportunities across the strategically important sectors highlighted in the North East MSA’s Local Growth Plan and the New Deal for North East Workers – all of which are vital employers and growth drivers across the North East.

Covering the whole of the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority region, including the seven local authority areas of County Durham, Gateshead, Newcastle, North Tyneside, Northumberland, South Tyneside and Sunderland, the integrated NELSIP will ensure local skills provision is better aligned with employer needs – helping to secure the talent pipeline required to drive future economic growth across the region.