Humber Freeport and the Humber Principals Group have revealed a strategic alliance, centred on developing skills programmes and employer partnerships throughout the region.
The two bodies will collaborate closely to guarantee the Humber possesses the qualified workforce required to fuel economic expansion and renewal, linking industry with education and connecting young people with prosperous career paths. The Humber Principals Group encompasses several colleges and college networks, which together teach more than 50,000 students.
Partnering with Humber Freeport will enhance knowledge and comprehension of the particular skills requirements of investors and major employers, providing both young people and adults with the capabilities they need to flourish.
The alliance was unveiled at the North Green Skills Conference, staged in Hull, which assembled politicians, business leaders, academics and media to examine the challenges facing the North of England in retraining the workforce and meeting changing employer demands, reports .
Professor Neal Juster, Interim Chair of Humber Freeport and Vice Chancellor of the University of Lincoln, said: "To attract major inward investments, and support the growth of existing businesses, we need the right people with the right skills to create a pipeline of talent.
"Partnerships like this are vital to help education providers shape their curriculum and courses to meet the specific needs of employers in the region. Similarly, to retain talent in the Humber, we need the breadth of employment opportunities and careers to match the skills of our young people. It really is a two-way conversation."
Skills represents one of Humber Freeport's three core workstreams, working alongside innovation and decarbonisation initiatives. The Freeport's £25m seed capital fund has already backed several strategically important schemes across the Humber – most notably, the continuing growth of training provider CATCH, and Ideal Heating's cutting-edge º£½ÇÊÓƵ Technology Centre in Hull.
Both initiatives were recognised as tackling crucial skills shortages in the Humber, particularly within engineering, construction and low carbon technology sectors.
Humber Freeport also collaborates with educational establishments, local authorities and industry to guarantee a competent and future-ready workforce for vital sectors across the region. Humber Freeport's collaboration with the Humber Principals Group links the organisation to educational institutions throughout the region, encompassing Hull College, East Riding College, Bishop Burton College, Wyke Sixth Form College, Wilberforce College, Franklin College, DN Colleges Group and John Leggott College.
Debra Gray, Chair of the Humber Principals Group and Principal of Hull College, commented: "As a partnership, we recognise the Humber as an integrated economic unit. Skills must transcend geographical boundaries, focusing instead on the industries and sectors which will drive growth and, in turn, create new job opportunities.
"When I first came to Hull College four years ago, Humber Freeport was in its infancy. The impact it has made in recent years, stimulating inward investment and unlocking key development sites, will be transformational for our region.
"I'm delighted to be able to announce this partnership, which will foster pan-Humber collaboration to drive skills development and play an important role in future-proofing our young people."
Humber Freeport has committed to generating 7,000 skilled positions through investments delivered across its three tax sites, in Hull, Immingham and Goole. Significant investments have already been announced, including by Finnish manufacturer Metsä Tissue, which recently received approval for the º£½ÇÊÓƵ's largest tissue paper mill in Goole – a development set to create over 400 skilled jobs.
Concurrently, at the Hull East tax site, Mitsubishi Chemical Group is expanding its facility at Saltend Chemicals Park, and Siemens Gamesa has invested £186m to extend its offshore wind turbine blade factory at Alexandra Dock.
Humber Freeport showcased at the North Green Skills Conference alongside colleagues from Hull College, with a clear emphasis on skills and talent. At the stand, representatives from Freeport and Hull College asked delegates to identify the skills they believed the region most needed to foster growth and prosperity.
Responses included artificial intelligence, thermodynamics, tech adoption, port operation efficiency, communication and digital skills.
