News & Media

4th October 2024

NORTH EAST BUSINESS AND SKILLS LEADERS ASKED TO SHAPE ADULT SKILLS STRATEGY

Recently the Port hosted a joint event with the North East Combined Authority, bringing together leaders from across business, policy, skills and education at our 2050 Maritime Innovation Hub, to discuss adult skills and a future-focused strategy for the region.During a series of innovation sprints, attendees provided their insights and experience into actionable next steps to build an ambitious and shared vision for the future of adult skills in the North East. The findings from the event will be used as a launchpad to develop an Adult Skills Strategy. Thanks to everyone who attended and shared their views.

We recently welcomed leaders from across business, policy, skills and education to an event to discuss adult skills and a future-focused strategy for the region. The joint event with the North East Combined Authority (North East CA) was hosted at our 2050 Maritime Innovation Hub.

The innovation sprint included sessions on future trends, skills gaps and how the region can collaborate to shape a compelling adult skills proposition. Central themes were, developing a strategy for green economic growth, generational jobs, supporting existing businesses and attracting inward investment. There was a particular focus on rapidly emerging growth areas such as renewables, advanced manufacturing, green and digital skills.

The contributors provided their insights and experience into actionable next steps to build an ambitious and shared vision for the future of adult skills in the North East. Following the innovation sprint, North East CA and our 2050 Maritime Innovation Hub will collate feedback and insights to further inform the forthcoming Adult Skills Strategy.

Dr Jo North, the Port of Tyne’s Innovation Ecosystem Director, said: "This event is a pivotal moment for the North East as we chart a course for future adult skills. We want to have the workforce ready to take advantage of the opportunities for tomorrow. The 2050 Maritime Innovation Hub provided the ideal setting as the region drives forward educational advancements to match future market needs. The Hub is an important innovation asset in the growing regional ecosystem.”

Councillor Tracey Dixon, North East CA Cabinet member for Education, Inclusion and Skills, said: "The insights from this event will help shape a powerful and cohesive strategy for adult skills development, ensuring our region continues to attract investment and talent. By bringing together leaders from across sectors, including industry, further and higher education, voluntary and policy leaders, we believe the result will create a strategy that’s representative of a diverse range of views and skills needs, and therefore a results strategy will be responsive and agile. The event was expertly chaired by the 2050 Maritime Innovation Hub and resulted in an energetic, collaborative and honest session. We’re looking forward to reviewing the views shared and using them as a launchpad to develop a truly responsive and future-focused Adult Skills Strategy.”