The various Chambers of Commerce across the South Yorkshire region are banding together on a new pilot scheme that is aimed at boosting productivity, employment and skills.

It is being called The South Yorkshire Local Skills Improvement Plan Trailblazer, and the Doncaster Chamber is taking the lead on it. The organisation will work with the Chambers in Rotherham, Barnsley and Sheffield to deliver the pilot that will involve developing employee skills solutions to help firms within the mathematics, arts, engineering, technology and science sectors.

South Yorkshire companies will be given the chance to identify what particular skills they are short of, and they will also be encouraged to put more money into improving staff training. It has the potential to help firms boost productivity and growth, alike getting financial help from accountants in Doncaster.

The Chambers of Commerce will be working with partner organisations, such as the Advanced Manufacturing Research Training Centre and various colleges throughout the region. The pilot is also being supported by the LEP and MPs from the area.

Speaking to Business Live, Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber Chief Executive, Andrew Denniff, said:

“This is excellent news for South Yorkshire. Improving skills supply and encouraging businesses to invest in workforce development are two priorities within the region’s ambitious Strategic Economic Plan.”

Denniff went on to add that the pilot they were planning to launch would be innovating through the decision to give businesses in the area the opportunity to drive the skills training based on what they needed to improve and grow.