As part of Green Career Week (4 – 8 November), Plymouth and South Devon (PASD) Freeport is highlighting its commitment to be at the forefront of driving skills development and green, and blue, job creation for the region.
Uniquely positioned to drive innovation and growth in the blue and green economy across our region and with a focus on marine, defence, space, advanced manufacturing, engineering and clean energy, PASD Freeport is part of a thriving ecosystem of businesses, partners and organisations who are passionate about creating jobs and skills for a sustainable future.
Working alongside current Freeport tenants, local colleges, universities, training providers and trade union representatives, PASD Freeport recognises the importance of ensuring that the skills, training and jobs for the future are sustainable, transferable and fulfil gaps when demand requires.
Initiatives such as tenants’ Babcock International Group’s SWAP (Skills-based Work Academy Programme) and Princess Yachts’ yearly Apprenticeship intake, in partnership with City College Plymouth, are key to supporting local residents through either getting back into work, or for taking their first step on the careers ladder.
As part of the British Army’s contract award to Babcock, and Honiton-based Supacat, to build High Mobility Transporter (HMT) Jackal 3 vehicles in Babcock’s Raglan Building in the Freeport’s South Yard tax site, the SWAP initiative has already seen eleven local people offered a role as part of the Jackal Programme.
And, with the ever popular but highly competitive Princess Yachts Apprenticeship scheme now fully subscribed for this year, applications are already open for next year’s cohort. The craft apprenticeships blend theoretical knowledge with hands-on practical experience.
Earlier this year the Freeport also announced it was part of a successful bid to the UK Space Agency Training Fund programme to develop a training programme for technicians and engineers in space engineering test methods and best practice. The ten-month project will address a known capability gap for the space industry, helping to increase practical skills for the current and future workforce.
The Freeport’s Skills Advisory Board, which meets quarterly, and has a range of public, private and third sector skills and education representatives across the region attending, provides an opportunity for the PASD Freeport to be integral to current and future green, and blue, skills agendas.