How it works in practice:

Workforce insight:
We convene employers, providers and agencies to map current and future roles as projects progress, using labour market intelligence and on‑the‑ground evidence.

Pathways that work:
We promote apprenticeship routes (Foundation, Modern and Graduate), short industry conversions and work‑based learning that lead directly to jobs.

Curriculum co‑design:
With colleges and universities we help adapt modules and courses to reflect real equipment, processes and standards used on Freeport sites.

Targeted support:
We focus on access for local residents and people facing barriers to work, working with local employability partnerships and community organisations.

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The Skills Fund

The Skills Fund supports shared investment in skills development aligned to workforce demand within the Freeport area. The Fund is supported through a 5% contribution from participating employers and is used to co-invest in skills activity delivered by existing local providers.

The Skills Fund supports co‑investment in training that addresses identified gaps. Typical uses include: developing or updating curriculum; creating additional teaching capacity or equipment access; and delivering targeted, time‑limited interventions where demand is urgent.

What we will and will not do:

• We will coordinate, convene and co‑invest—helping align demand and provision.
• We will not create our own apprenticeships, bursaries or bootcamps; these are delivered through established providers and frameworks.

What this means in practice:

• We work with employers to understand current and future skills needs.
• We use labour market intelligence to identify skills gaps and opportunities.
• We support collaboration between employers and existing education and training providers to shape provision.
• We focus on improving access to good-quality, sustainable employment, particularly for local residents and people facing barriers to work.

Measuring progress:

We will track outcomes such as numbers progressing into sustained employment; apprenticeship starts and completions linked to Freeport activity; uptake of training among under‑represented groups; and employer satisfaction with workforce readiness. This evidence will inform where we focus effort next, ensuring provision remains relevant as investment evolves.