Skills
Across Freeport East, the inward investor and business operator will find themselves able to access a range of highly qualified, skilled and dedicated employees.
These include sectors as diverse as financial services, insurance, manufacturing, offshore wind, logistics, digital technology and agriculture.
As our local economy grows and evolves, creating new economic and employment opportunities, it is vitally important we work across our local communities to continue to develop their skills in line with business needs and ensure that everyone is included. This is a key priority for Freeport East.
Sustainable employment with targeted skills development will also play a vital role in the regeneration and growth of our local economies, reducing inequalities and providing those communities with greater access to new, exciting, diverse and sustainable labour market opportunities.
Freeport East Skills and Employment Plan
The Freeport East skills and employment plan sets out how our interventions will maximise these new labour market opportunities, with specific focus on support for those furthest from the labour market. Our agreed main areas of focus will include:
We work with a broad range of partners and stakeholders to extend our current and ongoing work. will maximise delivery via existing training and education partners, including schools, colleges, universities and independent training providers as part of the development of a local skilled workforce.
If you would like to learn more about the initiatives and work being undertaken within the Freeport East area, please contact us.
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Freeport East Skills Fund
Developing Skills for Growing Industries
Freeport East is committed to ensuring local people can benefit from the region’s economic growth by connecting skills development with real employment opportunities. Through its partnership with Road to Logistics, Freeport East is delivering a fully funded training and employment programme for residents across Harwich, Clacton and the wider Tendring area, helping people gain the skills needed for careers in logistics, transport and warehousing.
Building on the success of an earlier pilot in Felixstowe, the programme provides industry focused training, employability support and direct engagement with employers, creating clear pathways into sustainable jobs. By helping local residents access high-quality training and addressing critical workforce shortages, Freeport East is supporting both social mobility and business growth, ensuring local communities are equipped to take advantage of investment and employment opportunities across one of the UK’s fastest-growing logistics and trade hubs.
Cyber Innovate to Elevate (CItE) Programme
Freeport East is supporting the Cyber Innovate to Elevate (CItE) programme, a partnership with the University of Essex and Mid Suffolk District Council designed to help SMEs across the Freeport East region strengthen their cybersecurity, harness the benefits of artificial intelligence, and drive business growth. Participating businesses can access funding, expert academic support, innovation management expertise, and tailored guidance to improve resilience, productivity and competitiveness.
Building on the success of previous programmes, CItE provides practical support to help businesses adopt new technologies with confidence and unlock future innovation opportunities.
Training
The Stowmarket Innovation Gateway hosts a diverse programme of events, workshops and training opportunities designed to support business growth, skills development and innovation. Bringing together businesses, entrepreneurs, educators and industry experts, SIG provides valuable opportunities to connect, collaborate and learn.
Explore upcoming events, skills programmes and business support opportunities to discover how SIG can help you and your organisation thrive.
