During our Future Economy Seminar, in partnership with JBP, in Bristol, the Skills panel brought together industry leaders in the South West to bring to light the region’s progress, challenges, and future opportunities in transitioning to a greener economy.
Key speakers provided insights into the region’s ambitions, the current state of green skills development, barriers to progress, and the role of industry and education in fostering a sustainable skills ecosystem.
The panel included South West Area Director, Association of Colleges, Jo Watson, Principal & CEO of City of Bristol College, Julia Grey, National College for Nuclear and Strategic Partnership Director, Sellafield, Dr Donna Conor, Strategic Director, Economy and Skills, West of England Combined Authority, Stephen Bashford, Associate Pro Vice Chancellor, Global Civic Engagement from the University of Bristol, Prof. Palie Smart, and Director of Business Growth and Parternships from Weston College, David Crew.
An exclusive report detailing the whole event and highlighting key policy recommendations will become available to all Industrial Strategy Research Group Subscribers. To become a Research Group Subscriber or find out more information, please email team@curia.com.
Setting the Scene
The dialogue opened with a focus on the South West’s decarbonisation goals and the critical role of skills development. An estimated 25% of the workforce in key sectors will need to reskill for the green economy, highlighting the enormity of the task. The Business West local skills recruitment plan underscored the importance of skills for economic sustainability, despite the low current demand for green skills.
Current State of Green Skills Development
Speakers acknowledged some progress but identified significant gaps in workforce development. The combined authority’s ambitious net-zero target by 2030 was highlighted as both a challenge and a motivator for innovation. The need to maintain ambition and drive was a recurring theme.
Barriers to Skill Development
The discussion revealed a lack of incentives for businesses to create green jobs, stifling demand for new skills and hampering investment in training. Research by Gemserv showed that without significant investment, making homes energy-efficient could take centuries. Addressing the skills gap is thus urgent for meeting emission reduction targets.
Innovative Approaches and Collaborative Efforts
Speakers highlighted various initiatives and the importance of collaboration. The Institute of Technology (IoT) and local skills improvement plans are pivotal in upgrading teaching spaces, designing new courses, and enhancing industry engagement. A strategic approach to resource allocation was emphasised to avoid duplication and maximise impact.
Role of Industry and Education
A major focus was on the partnership between industry and educational institutions. Collaboration is crucial for designing curricula that meet industry needs, developing industry-led apprenticeships, and creating adaptable training programmes. The further education sector alone cannot deliver the required skills; a shared economy model, with industries contributing to training, is essential.
Addressing Skill Shortages and Employment Challenges
Speakers addressed the difficulty of attracting and retaining skilled personnel in high-demand sectors like nuclear and green technologies. Industry roles often offer higher salaries than academic positions, leading to a shortage of educators. Proposals included creating incentives like bursaries or alternative funding models to encourage industry professionals to participate in education and training.
Policy and Strategic Investments
Long-term policy stability and strategic investment in skills development were deemed critical. A national industrial strategy focused on net zero, coupled with flexible funding mechanisms, would support proactive curriculum and training programme development. This approach would align educational initiatives with future job market needs.
Building a Green Skills Ecosystem
The need for a robust green skills ecosystem, supported by sustained collaboration and investment, was discussed. Enhancing regional infrastructure for skills training, increasing industry engagement, and fostering innovation through partnerships with local colleges and training providers were highlighted as essential steps.
Moving Forward: Next Steps
The session concluded with a call to action for developing level apprenticeship programmes in collaboration with employers, advocating for a national industrial strategy with clear incentives and long-term funding, and enhancing industry-education collaboration to ensure training programmes meet market demands. The panel expressed confidence in the South West’s potential to become a hub for decarbonisation and technological innovation.
By addressing current challenges and seizing opportunities, the region can build a skilled workforce capable of driving the green economy forward, securing a sustainable and prosperous future.
This article was written by Chamber’s features writer, Bart Smallman. To view the other summaries from Chamber UK’s Future Economy Seminar, please click here.
