Business leaders launch employment plan for region’s biggest projects
Major investment projects across the south west means the region will need at least 27,000 new roles by 2035. The demand is being driven by initiatives including Hinkley Point C and Floating Offshore Wind power generation in the Celtic Sea.
It also encompasses the Agratas gigafactory, the Plymouth & South Devon Freeport and the Dorset Clean Energy Super Cluster.
Such undertakings will, of course, entail the engagement of a significant workforce. Their needs are central to the Great South West’s first-ever Industrial Workforce Plan (IWP). The team launched the blueprint at its recent annual conference.
‘This is a landmark moment for the region,’ explains Karl Tucker, Chair of the Great South West Partnership.
‘The Industrial Workforce Plan brings regional clarity to a national challenge, ensuring the Great South West has the people, skills, and enabling infrastructure to deliver the UK’s clean energy transition, defence capabilities, and food security over the next decade, in parallel to major investments in our region that have national and global significance.’
The team developed the plan with GC Insight. It was further shaped by more than 100 regional and national industry representatives.
It’s calling for the establishment of a Government-backed taskforce to ensure delivery of the region’s major investment projects – with all of the necessary skillset and infrastructure in situ.
One of the plan’s supporters is the global security company, Leonardo. It’s one of the biggest suppliers of defence and security equipment to the UK MOD.
Image: NicoElNino / Shutterstock
‘A critical strategic blueprint’
‘Leonardo wholeheartedly welcomes the launch of the Great South West Industrial Workforce Plan,’ says Clive Higgins, Chair and CEO of Leonardo in the UK.
‘This initiative is a critical strategic blueprint that addresses the needs of major investors and innovators by highlighting the importance of long-term high-value manufacturing and technological development in the South West.’
‘It focuses on areas that are essential to sustainable growth, such as the development of advanced manufacturing skills and digital infrastructure, to enrich and derisk local industry and supply chains.’
‘This in turn creates a stable and supportive environment that can attract further investment to the region, acting as a catalyst to consolidate the Great South West’s position as a solid hub of aerospace and defence expertise.’
The Great South West Industrial Workforce Plan is also calling for investment ‘in the region’s provider base to recognise its capabilities in delivering a strong talent pipeline for nationally significant projects.’
The blueprint seeks to increase ways people can secure new jobs and how employers can invest in developing skills in the workplace.
It also seeks a ‘future-ready curriculum’ which supporters say is critical for students in Further Education (FE) and Higher Education (HE) as it’ll help to equip them with the skills they need for ‘high value careers.’
‘Ensuring the Great South West has the people, skills, and enabling infrastructure’ says Karl Tucker, Chair of the Great South West Partnership. Image: Kariting Picah / Shuttertock.
‘Delivering innovation and economic growth for generations to come’
‘The Great South West Industrial Workforce Plan is incredibly important to the UCS College Group and the wider FE and HE sectors, because it recognises how intrinsic we are when it comes to delivering the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy,’ explains Andy Berry CBE, CEO at UCS College Group.
‘By fostering collaboration between education providers, businesses, and government, we can build a workforce that meets current demands and drives inward investment into the region; delivering innovation and economic growth for generations to come, ensuring the South West is at the heart of the UK’s industrial future.’
Housing, transport and digital connectivity are also seen as crucial components as calls for investment and expansion continue to grow across the region.
‘Homes England is pleased to support this important industrial workforce plan led by the Great South West, which provides valuable insights into the region’s skills landscape across industrial and housing delivery,’ says Joe Wharton, Assistant Director at Homes England.
‘This work will help inform targeted investment and showcase the South West’s diverse strengths that support the economic growth that underpins housing delivery.’