Thames Freeport has announced a new round of community skills projects worth £3million, launching across Barking & Dagenham, Havering and Thurrock in 2025. These programmes – supported by our partners at DP World London Gateway and Port of Tilbury – will help residents build confidence, gain new skills and progress into training or employment, ensuring the benefits of investment flow directly into local communities.
Delivered in partnership with organisations rooted in the region, our skills programme is part of Thames Freeport’s mission to ensure that global growth creates local opportunity. Alongside the new projects launching next year, the Freeport has also published early impact data from existing programmes, showing strong outcomes, consistent progression, and inspiring individual stories.
Programmes Delivering Real Results
The 24/25 skills programmes are already making a meaningful difference to people across the three boroughs.
The Gateway Academy
- Every student went on to secure a place on their preferred post-16 course.
- Attendance exceeded 96%, demonstrating exceptional engagement.
One Community Development Trust
- Over 55 local residents received tailored employment support.
- One participant progressed from long-term volunteering into full-time paid work, rebuilding stability and independence.
SEATS
- 159 apprentices currently in training.
- 47 new apprentices expected to start in 2025/26.
- 18 senior leaders are progressing onto MBA-level study to strengthen regional leadership capability.
Tilbury Library & Hub
- Community visits increased after new opening hours, added services and enhanced well-being support. Visits in 2025 so far were.
Region-Wide Skills Outcomes
Across all Thames Freeport-supported programmes so far:
- 136 apprenticeships started, exceeding targets by 60% and unlocking over £2 million in apprenticeship levy funding.
- Young Enterprise and The Primary Engineer programmes reached over 1000 pupils across 16 schools, building early STEM confidence and teacher capability.
- New cutting-edge learning experiences include the UK’s first Level 3 Hydrogen Safety qualification and immersive XR training for port logistics.
- Leadership initiatives improved wellbeing by 77% among VCFSE sector leaders.
- Employers report stronger talent pipelines and higher readiness for green and digital sector roles.
- Delivery partners engaged with 1,700+ individuals which including primary pupils, apprentices, community leaders and industry partners.
“These programmes are about unlocking confidence and opportunity. By investing in people, we make sure the Freeport’s growth creates real, lasting benefit for local communities”
Stuart Rimmer, Interim CEO of Thames Freeport.
New Community Skills Fund Projects Starting in 2025
Building on this momentum, many more community-led skills programmes will launch early next year, strengthening progression routes into construction, digital, green skills, entrepreneurship and food sector roles.
One Community Development Trust – Head Start to Employment
Following great stories such as B joining Headstart to Employment after months of job rejections, they were able to get work experience through volunteering, which boosted her confidence. This led B to successfully securing a care sector job in June. This year the Headstart programme will provide wrap-around support for over 150 unemployed residents, with at least 50 expected to progress into employment or Level 3+ qualifications.
‘We are delighted to be able to continue with the Headstart to Employment as it has had tremendous impact on the lives of those who have become economically active and feel their pride and dignity has been restored’ Lela Campbell – Chair of One Community
Havering Volunteer Centre – Skill-Up Development
Supporting up to 150 residents into structured volunteering roles to build confidence, work-readiness and social capital.
Tthis is massive opportunity for the citizens of Havering to get involved in. Here at HVC we are offering support with employability, skill development, CV writing and how to approach application forms, AI technology and much much more. We know that Volunteering is a great stepping stone into gaining experience and benefitting your health and wellbeing. We will be working alongside Thames Freeport and other partners ensuring we can offer great opportunities for a brighter future – Shelley Hart – CEO HVC
Primary Engineer – STEM & Construction Pathways
Following the success of last year where 100% of teachers who took part said the construction training helped them understand how they can make an impact on engineering career aspirations. 100% of the students who took part now have greater understanding of what engineering is and its importance.
This year there will be more training from Primary Engineer for teachers and pupils in the Thames freeport region, with hands-on engineering activities linked to local career routes
Young Enterprise – Unlocking Local Potential
Preparing 700–800 young people for work, with a focus on areas in need
London Borough of Barking & Dagenham – Future Food Skills
Delivering food and nutrition workshops for 900+ pupils, training around 15 teachers and embedding sustainable food careers into the curriculum.
Community Training Portal – Gateway to Growth
Providing ESOL, digital and employability training for up to 99 residents, with 60% progression into further learning or employment.
“We’re thrilled to be part of the Freeport Community Skills Programme, helping people develop the language, digital, and employability skills they need to progress into work or further training. Our courses are open to adults of all backgrounds, whether they’re looking to improve their English, build confidence with technology, or take the next step into a green construction career.” John O’Connell Quality Consultant
New Technical & Industry Programmes
Alongside the Community Skills Fund, Thames Freeport is also expanding specialist training in green construction, digitisation, AI, hydrogen and advanced manufacturing, supporting the industries shaping the region’s future.
Sustainable Construction Training
CEME
CEME contributed to the Skills Accelerator by supporting employer engagement and technical development in green construction, complementing wider programmes delivered across the Freeport.
For 2025 there will be more hands-on, site-based training in solar PV, heat pumps, modular construction, and retrofit, using specialist rigs and portable green technologies co-designed with employers.
Technology Manufacturing & AI in Logistics
USP (in partnership with Coventry University, STC Rotterdam & SEATS)
USP has contributed to early digital and AI learning activity across the Skills Accelerator, supporting hands on sessions in automation and logistics. The new AI and digitisation programmes build on this work and will expand access to practical digital skills for the wider workforce.
Following the digital solutions in logistics training, this year will see a blended programme where learners build and test AI-powered conveyor systems, combining workshops, e-learning and AR-supported tasks, preparing the workforce for automation in logistics and manufacturing.
“AI Ready” Introductory Workforce Training
A practical entry-level programme delivered by USP helping logistics and manufacturing staff develop real-world AI and digitisation skills to support innovation in the workplace.
Hydrogen Skills Expansion
South Essex College continues to expand its clean energy curriculum, building on last year pilot of the UK first Level 3 Hydrogen Safety qualification. New Level 3 and 4 awards cover hydrogen safety, fuel cells, production, storage and carbon capture, helping create stronger local pathways into emerging clean energy roles
These programmes strengthen employer pipelines, accelerate green transition capabilities and widen access to high-quality technical training across the region.
Connecting Global Investment to Local Opportunity
From primary school pupils discovering STEM careers to adults retraining for future-focused jobs, the Thames Freeport skills programme is helping residents across the region move forward with confidence.
These new 2025 programmes build on strong foundations, showing how Thames Freeport continues to link investment, innovation and inclusive growth.
📧 enquiries@thamesfreeport.com
