Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Workforce & Skills Strategy Launched

Leaders from across business, education, local government and the community gathered at Cornwall College this week to mark the official launch of the Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Workforce & Skills Strategy.

The event formed part of the Cornwall Month of Skills, described as a celebration of learning, growth and opportunity across the region. The new strategy aims to support the development of a skilled, resilient and future-ready workforce for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

Hosted by Cornwall College, the breakfast event brought together members of the CIoS Workforce & Skills Board, employers and sector representatives, education and training providers, as well as health and employment support services.

A Shared Plan for the Region

Opening the event, Professor Emma Hunt, Chair of the CIoS Workforce & Skills Board, spoke about the importance of partnership in shaping the region’s workforce.

Emma said:
“Today is about collaboration and a shared commitment to shaping a skilled, resilient, future-ready workforce for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.”

She added:
“Economic shifts, technological change and demographic pressures mean we cannot rely on old models. This Strategy provides one single, shared plan built through evidence, partnership and Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly’s identity as a creative, ambitious, place-based region.”

Emma also explained that the strategy sits within the wider Cornwall Good Growth Plan, aligning skills, opportunity and economic ambitions for the area. She called on partners across the region to help co-design and deliver long-term change.

Four Key Areas of Focus

The strategy is built around four pillars: Inspire, Transform, Innovate, and Thrive.

These areas aim to improve pathways for residents, strengthen talent pipelines and support skills development across priority sectors.

Further details about the region’s skills challenges and opportunities were presented by Stacey Sleeman, Head of Skills at Cornwall Council.

Stacey said:
“Employers consistently tell us that they are struggling to fill roles, while young people tell us they want clearer pathways.”

She continued:
“This Strategy is a step-change for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. It brings together one shared plan across the entire system, rooted in strong labour market evidence and long-term commissioning. Most importantly, it puts people at the centre supporting progression, lifelong learning and the development of new talent pipelines.”

Stacey also highlighted how existing programmes such as the devolved Adult Skills Fund, Skills Bootcamps and targeted sector programmes are already helping to accelerate progress across the region.

Insights From Education and Research

The event also included insights from Joanie Willett, Associate Professor in Politics at the University of Exeter. Joanie reflected on the evidence behind the strategy and the opportunities for innovation created through closer links between employers, training providers and the workforce.

Attendees also heard welcome remarks and introductions from Rory Mason, Vice Principal Quality of Education at Cornwall College, and Luke Bazeley, Deputy Principal General Further Education at the college.

A Call for Employers and Partners to Get Involved

The launch concluded with a call for employers, training providers and community partners to help deliver the strategy.

Participants were encouraged to offer placements, take part in careers activities, help shape curriculum content and contribute to tracking outcomes.

Stacey told those attending:
“This Strategy belongs to all of us. Its success depends on shared leadership and ongoing collaboration. Together, we can build a thriving, inclusive skills ecosystem for the future of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.”

Copies of the strategy and supporting materials were made available during the event, alongside opportunities for partners to join sector networks and future commissioning activity.