The North East Automotive Alliance (NEAA) has been appointed as the Employer Representative Body for the region’s new Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP), which will cover the entire North East Combined Authority area.

The North East Local Skills Improvement Plan (NELSIP) will aim to ensure that education and training provision is closely aligned with the needs of employers, supporting economic growth and job creation across the region.

Paul Butler, chief executive officer of the NEAA, said: "We are proud to have been selected as the Employer Representative Body for the next North East Local Skills Improvement Plan.

"Skills are at the heart of sustainable growth, and this appointment reflects the NEAA’s commitment to ensuring that local people have the right training and opportunities to thrive in the industries of the future.

"By working collaboratively with the North East Combined Authority, employers, other ERBs, education providers and government, we will help to build a stronger, more resilient regional economy."

The NELSIP will focus on key sectors identified in the North East Combined Authority’s Local Growth Plan and the New Deal for North East Workers.

These include advanced manufacturing, creative industries, defence, life sciences, offshore wind and energy transition, technology, construction, and SMEs.

The NEAA previously led the delivery of the NELSIP across County Durham, Sunderland, Gateshead, and South Tyneside, supporting a workforce of more than 500,000 people.

As the UK’s largest automotive cluster, the NEAA brings extensive experience in delivering skills and innovation programmes across the North East.

It will work with employers, colleges, higher education providers, training organisations, and regional stakeholders to address skills shortages, support workforce development, and maintain the North East’s reputation for industrial innovation.

The NEAA will also ensure a smooth transition from the North of Tyne LSIP, previously managed by the North East Chamber of Commerce, to a single, integrated plan for the wider region.

The Chamber of Commerce will continue to lead the skills plan in neighbouring Tees Valley.

The NELSIP will aim to deliver a coordinated approach to skills development that meets current and future industry needs, supporting the North East’s ambitions for inclusive, long-term economic growth.