Unlocking Opportunities for Business with the Regional Skills Pilot

The Regional Skills Partnership (RSP) is a collaborative initiative aimed at transforming the workforce in Cheshire West and Chester, and the wider North West region, to meet the growing demands of the clean energy sector. This partnership involves key stakeholders such as the Office for Clean Energy Jobs (OCEJ), the North West Net Zero Hub (NWNZH), Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWAC), and Net Zero North West (NZNW).

What are the benefits for business?

• Job Creation and Economic Growth

• The transition to net zero is expected to create between 135,000 and 725,000 new jobs by 2030 in low-carbon sectors. For instance, the HyNet project alone is set to generate around 6,000 clean energy jobs before 2030.

• The local cluster is a powerhouse for energy-intensive industries, contributing approximately £1.8 billion to the Gross Value Added (GVA) in 2019.

• Addressing Workforce Challenges

• The current workforce faces challenges including an aging demographic and a pronounced gender imbalance. The RSP aims to address these issues by mapping the skills base and identifying the requirements for clean power by 2030.

• Around 70% of roles in Energy Intensive Industries (EII) require Level 3 skills or below, highlighting the need for significant upskilling and reskilling.

• Funding and Support

• Phase 2 of the RSP will provide approximately £900,000 of funding to facilitate skills interventions that support existing businesses and new industries in transitioning to clean power.

• This funding will support the local workforce in their transition to clean energy roles, ensuring businesses have access to a skilled and adaptable workforce.

• Strategic Workforce Planning

• The RSP will develop an interactive, evolving workforce strategy that aligns with industrial decarbonisation goals. This strategy will help businesses plan for future skills needs and ensure they remain competitive in the evolving clean energy market.

How Businesses Can Get Involved

• Engage with Stakeholders: The RSP encourages businesses to engage with employers, skills providers, local authorities, and policymakers to discuss current and future skills needs related to the energy transition.

• Participate in Skills Mapping: Businesses can participate in the skills mapping process to identify skills gaps and training needs. This will help tailor interventions to support the workforce shift.

• Leverage Training Plans: The RSP will produce training plans linking employers to provision, ensuring businesses have access to the necessary training to support their transition to clean energy.

Summary and Next Steps

The Regional Skills Partnership offers businesses a unique opportunity to be at the forefront of the clean energy transition. By participating in this initiative, businesses can benefit from job creation, funding support, strategic workforce planning, and access to a skilled workforce.

Engaging with the RSP will not only help businesses adapt to the changing energy landscape but also contribute to the region’s economic growth and sustainability.

For more information, businesses can contact Cheshire West & Chester Council’s Business Growth Team: business@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk