An exciting new project to train the workforce of the future for South Essex has moved forward, bringing a major boost to the economy of the area.
The South Essex Advanced Technical Skills project, involving some of the county’s top employers and local councils, has just secured its first higher education provider.
This will allow it to provide in-work training in things like engineering, managerial development, logistics and digital, skills desperately needed by employers in the area.
Its founding directors, business heavyweights Ford Motor Company, DP World and London Southend Airport, have been leading on the project, with practical support coming from the Association of South Essex Local Authorities (ASELA). The project has also received financial backing from Thames Freeport.
SEATS brings together businesses, operating as a training matchmaking service. It’s new contract with Coventry University will allow its first cohort of up to 100 learners to start their work-based training this autumn.
Councillor Kevin Bentley, Leader of Essex County Council said:
SEATS will transform the higher education offer in the area, setting it up with the skills needed to support the South Essex economy, both now and into the future. The project is a vote of confidence in the future of South Essex and will bring benefits to both residents and businesses.
This project has only been made possible through the close collaboration of south Essex authorities via ASELA, which has helped facilitate a joined up approach to business engagement and co-investment in the area.
Tailor made to the needs of Essex, this is the kind of innovative project which we would look to develop if we received the funding and opportunities to influence how we invest in skills provision should there be a devolution deal for Greater Essex. Such a deal would provide us with even more clout to progress with our skills agenda, creating new opportunities for our residents and helping Essex’s unique economy flourish
The project will provide a pipeline of local skilled labour to facilitate business growth and new inward investment into South Essex, spreading opportunities and supporting the levelling up of the area.
Councillor Louise McKinlay, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Levelling Up, and the Economy, said:
This is an exciting and ambitious project involving both private sector and public sector partners and links closely with our plans for levelling up in this part of Essex.
We want to spread opportunity across the county and strengthen opportunities for residents to secure good jobs here in Essex. Skills are a huge part of this, and tackling skills gaps is a key component of our plans for levelling up Essex. We are excited to start seeing the impact of the SEATS project when its first in-work learners start later this year.
Councillor Tony Ball, Cabinet Member for Education Excellence, Lifelong Learning and Employability, added:
We have a wide-ranging and varied skills offer in Essex which supports lifelong learning, but we know we must continue to expand our training offer to residents, particularly those who are already in work.
This project will help futureproof the workforce in south Essex and ensure residents have the skills needed for them, as well as businesses, to prosper. It is great to see what started as an informal conversation and exchange of ideas become a reality.