Sectors

Sector Development Groups

Sector Development Groups (SDGs) are partnerships of representatives from organisations in Greater Manchester. Each organisation is categorised into a sub-group based on the area of the economy in which it operates - its sector.

The representatives work to develop clear pathways within the disciplines of their sector for learners and employers.

Who is involved in the Sector Development Groups?

As well as staff at management level from colleges and universities in Greater Manchester, members of the SDGs include:

• Sector Skills Councils

• Centres of Vocational Excellence (CoVEs)

• Employers networks and employers

• Skills academies

• Training providers

• Others with an interest in higher level skills within the sector

How many Sector Development Groups does the GMSA have?

The SDGs were derived from research into higher level skills needs of Greater Manchester. There are a total of eight SDGs representing:

• Built environment

• Creative industries and digital media

• Finance and professional services

• Health and social care

• Information technology and computing

• Land-based industries

• Retail and logistics

• Sustainable communities (formerly regeneration)

What are the aims of the Sector Development Groups?

• To bring together interested parties within sectors to clarify progression pathways

• Explore skills needs, provision, learner and employer demand and to identify educational gaps

• Broker and oversee the implementation of Progression Agreements

• Develop Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) for learners and employers for sector pathways based on Progression Agreements

• Develop new vocational learning and learner support to meet higher skills needs and address gaps in provision

• Be the key vehicle for steering projects and budgets within that sector

• Undertake employer engagement within the sector ensuring coordination with other initiatives in the region

How are Sector Development Groups organised?

Each group elects a lead institution to provide leadership and subject specific expertise for the Sector Development Group and is supported by GMSA development officers.

Each Sector Development Group’s role is to identify skills gaps in Greater Manchester and develop provision for those gaps, in accordance with their assigned budget. Meeting every four to six weeks and sharing common terms of reference, they provide sector market intelligence about employer needs and provision. They also monitor special projects.