Increasing Skills to Meet Future Demands
The Thames Freeport is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to stimulate trade, accelerate the energy transition, and transform the lives of people in London and the boroughs to its east, harnessing innovation to power the future economy.
Thames Freeport marks a ground-breaking chapter for the area, bringing a wave of opportunities and hope. With an ambitious vision to create 21,000 high-value jobs, including 2,500 apprenticeships and 12,000 roles tailored for residents, it’s a game-changer for the community.
We are delighted to launch the Thames Freeport Community Skills Accelerator Pilot Fund.
The overarching aim of the fund is to build the capacity of the skills and employment sector to meet the local skills priorities in the Thames Freeport area.
It will support changes and developments in provision, and facilities and enable providers to develop further expertise across a sector area with a view to piloting skills interventions.
We are now inviting ‘Expressions of Interest’ for potential funding for employers, training providers and community organisations, based in the Thames Freeport area or who are prepared to operate within this area, alongside at least one other training provider/or employer, are seeking to address skills gaps or barriers and enhance the current training provision offer to meet local economic needs. We are all about collaboration!
We have some amazing colleges, universities, training providers and community organisations within our locality and we want to enhance current offers and accelerate the development of new and innovative interventions.
The Thames Freeport Community Skills Fund. This call for expressions of interest is for grant funding of up to £120,000 for Skills and £50,000 for community funds which are to design and deliver projects to enhance their capabilities and current and future challenges around skills and employment.
Our CEO Martin Whiteley said:Â Â
“We are thrilled to announce the launch of the call for interest for our Community Skills Fund. This initiative is dedicated to, enhancing skills, and fostering sustainable growth, ensuring prosperity and opportunity for everyone involved.”
In addition, the Thames Freeport have also launched community consultations and events in Barking, Dagenham and Havering to build on the work completed in Thurrock last year, where local residents helped guide the skills strategy for the Freeport.
The ‘We are Tilbury’ launched by Athena Mandis and Billie Forbes and backed by Thames Freeport, embodied a commitment to placing people at the heart of progress. Last year, ‘We Are Tilbury’ transformed the festive season into a beacon of community spirit and joy with their inaugural Free Christmas Festival at Tilbury’s community hall. This heart-warming event welcomed over 800 attendees, bringing smiles and festive cheer with 550 Santa presents.
“The event was absolutely fantastic, a community event that brought all the community together. I have never seen so many people and never seen so many happy people running around. It was uplifting and fantastic, a wonderful day. Congratulations to you two.†– Les Morgan Local community hero.
The magic of the season was brought to life with the help of volunteers from the community including local students from USP College, Palmer’s Campus.
“I was really excited when I got asked if I wanted to volunteer. It was a fun event and helped build my confidence talking to people as I am usually quite shy. I was really proud when I got my money for helping out, my mum was proud of me.” – Student Volunteer
“Calling All Creatives: Help Shape the Community and Skills Offer across Thames Freeport”
“Get Involved: Submit Your Ideas for the Thames Freeport Community and Skills Funds”
“Innovate with Us: Pitch Your Ideas for the Thames Freeport Community and Skills Funds”
“Make Your Mark: Contribute your project through the Community and Skills Funds”
Transforming the region requires more than a single festive event; it demands sustained efforts to mend the fabric of a community that has weathered economic challenges. Thames Freeport have a strategy for making ongoing investments into skills and community development.
There are already several projects in the development pipeline that need funding. These include the creation of innovation hubs for business, a state-of-the-art youth zone, enhancing higher learning and apprenticeship provision, and discussions to support other key community assets.
These funds will enable groups to deliver innovative projects and interventions to directly help businesses and residents take advantage of the Freeport developments. Thames Freeport is open to new ideas and definitely open for business!