In today’s fast-changing business landscape, the need for a highly skilled workforce for today and the future has never been greater. Across South Essex and the London Boroughs of Havering and Barking and Dagenham, industries are grappling with significant skills shortages, especially in areas like logistics, sustainability, artificial intelligence (AI) and social media strategy. Enter South Essex Advanced Technical Skills or SEATS for short, a not-for-profit, business led organisation, dedicated to addressing skills gaps and preparing individuals and businesses for the opportunities and challenges of the future
A Vision Powered by Collaboration
SEATS was established in 2023 by South Essex Councils and leading regional industries, with vital funding and support from Thames Freeport. SEATS is business-led, ensuring that all qualifications and learning are meaningful, tailored to industry needs and lead to skilled employment.
SEATS conducts in-depth training needs analyses for businesses and sources tailored solutions through a network of universities, colleges and independent training providers. Thanks to this collaborative approach, SEATS has already helped Essex businesses secure over £1 million in fully funded, high-level training. With a pipeline of learners ready for January 2025, this figure will rise to £1.5 million.
Central to SEATS’ impact is its strong relationship with the Thames Freeport Skills Accelerator Partnership. Together, they work to amplify efforts in tackling skills shortages, and building skills for the future with one of the most exciting examples being SEATS’ current collaboration with the University of Plymouth.
Fully Funded Workshops: Equipping for the Future
In January 2025, SEATS and the University of Plymouth launch a series of five fully funded 3-hour workshops across South Essex and Havering. The topics have been carefully chosen to address some of the most pressing needs of businesses today:
- Data Analytics and Social Media Strategy Helping businesses leverage data and social media to enhance their operations and reach.
- Green Logistics at Ports Exploring sustainable practices for managing port logistics in an eco-conscious world.
- Harnessing AI and Prompt Engineering for Sustainable Green Logistics Understanding how AI can drive greener, more efficient logistics operations.
- Sustainable Procurement Equipping businesses with strategies to align procurement processes with environmental goals.
- Net Zero Strategies Providing actionable insights to help businesses meet their carbon-neutral targets.
The workshops will take place at venues across South Essex and Havering, including at the Port of Tilbury and New City College’s Rainham campus, another member of the Thames Freeport Skills Accelerator Partnership. These sessions are designed not only to equip participants with essential knowledge but also to help the University of Plymouth gather valuable insights about industry needs. This information will be used to develop meaningful courses that address current gaps and lead to skilled job opportunities for local people
Why These Topics?
These five focus areas were selected because they reflect industries and practices undergoing rapid transformation, driven by technology, environmental concerns and global economic trends.
Data Analytics and Social Media Strategy
In the digital age, understanding data and effectively utilising social media are essential for business growth. This workshop will help participants harness insights from data while optimising their online presence.
Green Logistics at Ports
Ports like DP World’ s London Gateway and the Port of Tilbury are pivotal to South Essex’s economy. This workshop will explore how sustainable practices can improve efficiency while reducing environmental impact.
Harnessing AI and Prompt Engineering for Sustainable Green Logistics
AI and emerging technologies like prompt engineering are revolutionising logistics. This session will delve into practical applications that businesses can implement for greener, more innovative operations.
Net Zero Strategies
Reaching net zero is not just a goal but an imperative for businesses committed to future success. This workshop will offer step-by-step guidance on achieving carbon neutrality.
SEATS: Tailored, Flexible, and Inclusive
SEATS’ reputation as a leading skills provider stem from its tailored approach. Training programmes are designed to meet the specific needs of businesses and individuals, whether through apprenticeships or workshops like these.
For instance, a recent Level 5 Operations Manager Apprenticeship was delivered as a closed cohort for a major Essex employer. Delivered over 18 months, participants attended workshops in Southend and Chelmsford, ensuring accessibility for employees from multiple locations.
Smaller businesses can also benefit through apprenticeship levy sharing, which SEATS promotes to ensure high-quality training is accessible to all.
The Role of Thames Freeport
Thames Freeport’s support has been instrumental in SEATS’ success. As an economic hub connecting Essex and London to global markets, Thames Freeport recognises the need for a skilled workforce to maintain the region’s competitiveness.
By funding SEATS and supporting initiatives like the University of Plymouth workshops, Thames Freeport removes financial barriers to training. This ensures businesses and individuals can access the skills they need to thrive for today and the future.
Building a Resilient Workforce in South Essex
Lifelong learning is key to creating a workforce that can adapt and thrive. SEATS champions this ethos, encouraging individuals and businesses to view education as an ongoing journey.
Short courses, such as the upcoming workshops, are critical in fostering this habit. They address immediate skills gaps while providing a foundation for further development, building skills for the future.
Be Part of the Transformation
For businesses and individuals in South Essex and the London Boroughs of Havering and Barking & Dagenham, SEATS offers an unparalleled opportunity to be part of a transformative movement.
Whether you want to upskill, explore a new career path, or future-proof your workforce, SEATS is here to help. By participating in these workshops, you’ll gain invaluable insights and contribute to shaping the future of skills training in the region.
Together, we can build a workforce ready to tackle the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.
This blog was written by Claire Hickey, Engagement Manager at SEATS. With a strong background in the charity sector, Claire is passionate about fostering partnerships that drive growth and create lasting impact for businesses and communities.
