Humber Freeport and the Humber Principals Group have announced a key partnership, focused on shaping skills development and employer engagement across the region.
The two organisations will work closely together to ensure the Humber has the skilled workforce it needs to drive economic growth and regeneration, connecting industry with education and young people with successful careers.
The Humber Principals Group comprises of multiple colleges and college groups, which collectively educate over 50,000 students.
Working with Humber Freeport will deepen knowledge and understanding of the specific skills needs of investors and major employers, equipping young people and adults alike with the skills they need to thrive.
The partnership was announced at the North Green Skills Conference, held in Hull, which brought together politicians, business leaders, academics and media to discuss the challenges the North of England faces to reskill the workforce and meet evolving demands from employers.
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 is one of Humber Freeport’s three key workstreams, alongside innovation and decarbonisation.
The Freeport’s £25m seed capital fund has already supported a number of strategically significant projects in the Humber – notably, the ongoing expansion of training provider CATCH, and Ideal Heating’s industry-leading UK Technology Centre in Hull.
Both of these projects were identified as addressing key skills gaps in the Humber, specifically in engineering, construction and low carbon technology.
Humber Freeport also works in partnership with educational institutions, local authorities and industry to ensure a skilled and future-ready workforce for key sectors in the region.
Humber Freeport’s partnership with the Humber Principals Group connects the organisation with colleges across the region, including 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 MBE, Chair of the Humber Principals Group and Principal of Hull College, said: “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 pledged to create 7,000 skilled jobs through investments made across its three tax sites, in Hull, Immingham and Goole.
Major investments have already been announced, including by Finnish manufacturer Metsä Tissue which recently had plans approved for the UK’s largest tissue paper mill in Goole – a development which will create more than 400 skilled jobs.
Meanwhile at the Hull East tax site, Mitsubishi Chemical Group is on site with an expansion of 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 exhibited at the North Green Skills Conference alongside colleagues from Hull College, with a clear focus on skills and talent.
On the stand, Freeport and Hull College representatives asked delegates to name the skills they thought the region most needed to drive growth and prosperity.
Answers included artificial intelligence, thermodynamics, tech adoption, port operation efficiency, communication and digital skills.