Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Announce £12.5m Investment to Enhance Skills and Employment Opportunities

In a significant boost to the local economy and workforce, the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Good Growth Programme has declared a £12.5 million investment aimed at enhancing people and skills across the region.

This initiative falls under the umbrella of a larger £137 million investment plan managed by Cornwall Council and primarily funded by the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

The investment is earmarked for a variety of activities designed to bolster employability and skills, fostering an inclusive workforce throughout Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. A notable portion of this fund, £2.5 million, is dedicated to supporting over 1,200 disadvantaged young people between the ages of 16-24. This effort is particularly focused on those not currently engaged in education, employment, or training, with special attention on employability, mental health, and financial well-being.

Additionally, £4 million is allocated to skill development in sectors identified as growth areas within Cornwall’s economy. Of this, £2 million is directed towards the future green economy, encompassing domestic and commercial renewable energy systems, electric vehicles, and the burgeoning floating offshore wind industry. Another £2 million is set aside for advancing digital skills, with an emphasis on Artificial Intelligence, immersive technology, software, and data analytics.

To streamline access to employment, training, and qualification support, the Good Growth Programme is investing £6 million in the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly People Hub. This initiative is complemented by the launch of Cornwall Opportunities, a comprehensive database for jobs, apprenticeships, and courses made possible by a £257,000 grant from the Government’s G7 Legacy Fund. This platform aims to simplify how residents aged 16 and above can find employment and training opportunities, emulating the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Growth Hub’s model for local businesses.

Councillor Barbara Ellenbroek, Cornwall Council’s portfolio holder for children and families, emphasised the centrality of people and skills to the programme. She highlighted the investment’s role in addressing the needs of young people and supporting the growth of the green and digital economies as a collective effort to enhance skills, jobs, and the overall economy.

The initiative also aligns with the Multiply project, another Good Growth-funded scheme that provides free numeracy courses for individuals aged 19 and over in Cornwall and Scilly. This is part of a broader effort to tackle local challenges, including a higher-than-average percentage of jobless households compared to regional and national figures, and a workforce that is aging faster than the rest of England and Wales.

For more details on the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Good Growth programme and its supported projects, interested individuals are encouraged to visit the official programme website.