We carry out research on a wide range of skills, employment and labour market issues which are key to driving up productivity and tackling social and economic exclusion.
Our work supports the Regional Skills Partnership, which defines the major skills challenges in the West Midlands and informs planning and funding decisions, targeting effort where it will have the greatest impact. Our work is overseen and supported by the Regional Skills Partnership Data Group.
Our work programme
- Reviewing the changing needs of the labour market
- Evaluating the impact of the Regional Skills Partnership
- Addressing gaps in the regional skills evidence base
Recent and ongoing research projects include:
Impact investment locations
Published 13th July 2010
We've worked with consultant Reiver 128 to analyse potential for job creation and associated demand for skills at 15 of the 20 Impact Investment Locations in the West Midlands. These locations are areas in which investment in economic development, regeneration and transport should be concentrated to support regional economic growth.
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Regional strategic and investment skills priorities for 2011-2012: policy supplement
Published 12th July 2010
We produced a policy supplement to inform strategic thinking by the Regional Skills Partnership in focusing shrinking levels of public sector investment in key areas to maximise impact and developing regional skills and investment priorities.
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Download full report (pdf, 498kb)
West Midlands economy post recession
Published 29th June 2010
This research provides insight into existing and likely future skills needs in the West Midlands. It considers the changing needs of the region's economy and labour market as it moves out of recession and helps inform decisions of employers, individuals and skills providers.
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Download full report (pdf, 844kb)
Regional skills assessment 2009
Published 12th February 2010
Our assessment provides an overview of the changing needs of the West Midlands' labour market, with detailed exploration of key issues by sector and by sub-region. It focuses on recent trends, the impact of recession and prospects for recovery.
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Download full report (pdf, 562kb)
Environmental technologies skills review
Updated 28th January 2010
The potential contribution environmental technologies such as renewable energy, pollution monitoring and waste management can make to the West Midlands' economy is of wide interest. Learn more about our research on the importance of these industries to the regional economy, the workforce profile, key developments in the sector, training provision and recommendations.
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City region employment and skills assessment
Updated 19th March 2010
This Assessment provides a detailed review of employment and skills issues in the City Region.
It includes an analysis of macro-economic trends, trends in population and migration, trends in earnings, the key drivers of skills change and emerging skills needs, and considers further the balance between the supply of and demand for skills.
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Monitoring the impact of the recession on skills and the labour market
Updated 8th December 2009
Our quarterly briefing examines how the economic downturn affected the West Midlands in terms of skills and the labour market as a whole.
More on the impact on skills and the labour market »
Get the latest update report (December 2009) (pdf, 232kb)
The West Midlands' knowledge economy: a state of the region thematic report
Published 7th August 2009
This report highlights important messages relating to the key features of the knowledge economy in the West Midlands, the key issues and challenges that need to be addressed to strengthen it further, and policy implications and priorities for action.
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Skills performance indicator framework for the West Midlands
Updated 30th June 2009
Using the skills performance indicator framework we can monitor trends and make comparisons between the West Midlands and other English regions (and sub-regions) on key skills and labour market issues.
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