Cornwall Council has confirmed that £12.5 million of investment is being committed to people and skills, with this contributing to plans to bring more opportunities for people across the region.
Through the £137 million local investment programme, managed by Cornwall Council and coming from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, a range of activities are being backed to ensure that employability and skills can be boosted across Cornwall and Scilly, whilst creating an inclusive workforce.
Included in the funding package is £2.5 million to help more than 1,200 people from disadvantaged areas progress, with a focus on those who are currently not in education, training and employment and how employability, mental health, and financial wellbeing can be improved.
Skills in areas that can ensure growth within Cornwall’s economy are also being funded through £4 million, with half being used to give local people the skills needed to work within the future green economy. These include domestic and commercial renewable energy systems, EVs and offshore energy. The other £2m will support the development of digital skills, including Artificial Intelligence and immersive technology.
Portfolio Holder for Children and Families at Cornwall Council, Cllr Barbara Ellenbroek, commented:
“People and skills are a cornerstone of our Good Growth Programme which is why we are investing £12.5m to create opportunities for all.
“The People Hub is there as a one-stop resource for everyone, and we are funding specific projects to work with young people to give them the life skills and support they need to progress. We’re also investing in meeting the fast-growing needs of the green and digital economies. Taken together this package of investment will boost skills, jobs, and the economy.”
The Cornwall and Isles of Scilly People Hub is utilising £6 million of investment as it helps people to understand the range of support that is available around employment, training and qualifications. Other support is available through Cornwall Opportunities, offering a database of jobs and apprenticeships, using a government grant of £257,000 to help residents.
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