WEST DORSET: A plan has been launched to improve the skills of people in West Dorset.

The Workforce Skills Plan 2014-2017 has been drawn-up by Weymouth and Portland Borough Council and West Dorset District Council to help boost economic prosperity.

The plan aims to improve the skills of people who are in work, those who are currently unemployed and young people who will be entering the work force in the future.

Robert Gould, leader of West Dorset District Council, said: “The Workforce Skills Plan will help our communities prepare for the future needs of our local economy, which will help bring greater prosperity to our area.

“Crucially this plan will go some way to helping further bridge the gap between education and employment.

“Our current, future and unemployed workforce should all see significant improvements in the services, training opportunities and information on offer.”

The councils have been working with the Employment and Skills Board, as part of the Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership and with Dorset colleges, schools and other training providers to set out how to improve training opportunities.

The plans include extending apprenticeship schemes, increasing online training opportunities, arranging more student workshops at local businesses and improving the Careers College, partly by providing better online information.

More information and a copy of the plan is available online at dorsetforyou.com/workforce-skills-plan.