EMPLOYERS in the Tees Valley are being invited to take part in a major consultation process to find out how best their business needs can be met.

The consultation by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) offers employers in the Darlington, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Redcar and Stockton areas the opportunity to shape the strategies and business activities outlined in the LSC's strategic plan for the next three years.

It forms part of a process to gain the views of people involved in training for people aged over 16, including workforce development, Modern Apprenticeships and education business links.

Pam Eccles, executive director of the LSC Tees Valley, said: "We are inviting employers to discuss a number of topics, including whether their industrial sector has the skills that it needs; how we can increase employment opportunities for young people and how we can support and encourage employers to raise the literacy and numeracy levels of their workforce."

The LSC hopes to generate a response from as many of the Tees Valley's employers as possible before the deadline of Friday, November 16.

Mrs Eccles added: "There are more than 17,000 employers in the Tees Valley, employing almost 250,000 people.

"We recognise that although there is plenty of good practice already being undertaken, there is still room for improvement." Mrs Eccles said the consultation would be a major milestone in the development of the LSC Tees Valley's first strategic plan.

For a copy of the LSC Tees Valley's Outline Strategic Plan for consultation visit teesvalleylsc.co.uk, or ring Cheryl Oatway on (01642) 743189