The regional skills assessment report examines skills trends in the West Midlands region from 2005-2009. It finds that key growth sectors are ICT, tourism, construction, education, and health. There is a need for higher-level technical skills and generic skills like management, ICT, and customer service. These skills will be most needed in major cities and towns in the region, especially Birmingham, Solihull, and Coventry, which are focuses of investment and economic development. The report discusses skills gaps, shortages, and priorities for the regional economic strategy.

1. Regional Skills Assessment 2009 Key findings – skills for tomorrow Observatory Conference 20th October 2009 West Midlands Regional Observatory 2009

5. Job growth in the last 4 years Source: ABI Low High Share of employment in 2007 Employment growth 2003-2007 Low High Emerging sectors and clusters ICT & telecoms and ICT cluster Hotels & catering and tourism & leisure cluster Construction and building technologies cluster Education Education & entertainment media cluster Environmental technologies cluster Medical technologies cluster Drivers of employment growth Business and Professional Services Health and Social Care Declining in employment terms – but market opportunities in specific areas Engineering and transport technologies cluster Other Manufacturing and lifestyle & interiors cluster Food & drink

6. Workforce profile by cluster and age in 2008 Source: ONS Annual Population Survey

7. Employment change in West Midlands by LA: 2003-2007 Source: ABI West Midlands

8. Skills-shortage vacancies by sector England average West Midlands average Source: LSC National Employer Skills Survey 2007

9. Percentage difference in vacancies notified to Job Centres by sector, June 2008 – June 2009 Source: NOMIS (JCP)

10. SMEs using the Train to Gain service (Cumulative totals) Source: Business Link West Midlands/ LSC