FUNDING of more than £1.2 million is to be pumped into Thurrock to help the skills development of residents.

The cash comes from the recently-created Thames Freeport, led by the Port of Tilbury, DP World ans Ford, whose members say they are proud to support its Skills Fund and the "Skills for the Future" campaign.

Thames Freeport says the funding will enhance workforce development and upskilling initiatives in the region, driving economic growth and preparing the local workforce to meet the demands of the rapidly expanding Freeport.

A statement issued by the Freeport says: "The Thames Freeport Community Skills Fund, established as part of Thames Freeport's ongoing commitment to economic regeneration, aims to create a highly skilled workforce capable of seizing new opportunities within the Freeport zone.

"This recent funding will support a diverse range of training programs, apprenticeships, and upskilling initiatives across key sectors, including logistics, manufacturing, and green technologies."

Martin Whiteley, CEO at Thames Freeport outlined that these funds were part of a wider strategic investment for the freeport and the huge potential. He stated that:

"These skills projects support the wider ambitions to build opportunities for sustainable, employment led, and inclusive 21st century city. The Freeport has a mission to create inward investment and new high-quality jobs that directly benefit the local community"

Key Objectives of the Skills Fund:

Empowering the Local Workforce: The fund will finance tailored training programs designed to equip individuals with the necessary skills for high-demand roles within the Freeport. This initiative ensures that local residents can fully capitalise on the new job opportunities created in the region.

Boosting Innovation and Competitiveness: By fostering expertise in cutting-edge sectors such as advanced manufacturing, advanced logistics, and green energy, the Skills Fund will contribute to Thames Freeport's ambition of becoming a leader in innovation and sustainable development.

Promoting Inclusive Growth: The awards will also support initiatives aimed at improving access to training for underrepresented groups, ensuring that the economic benefits of the Freeport are widely shared across the community.

Stuart Rimmer, Interim Skills and Employment Director of Thames Freeport, commented: "These awards represent a significant milestone in our mission to build a vibrant, skilled workforce that will underpin the success of Thames Freeport. We are dedicated to ensuring that the Freeport's benefits are accessible to all, and the Skills Fund is a vital part of this vision."

The Thames Freeport Skills Fund is already yielding positive outcomes, including investments in the South Essex Advanced Technical Skills (SEATS) to develop higher apprenticeships in key sectors. This new funding will allow for the expansion of these efforts, reaching more individuals and creating pathways to employment in high-growth industries.

Continuation funding for SEATS has been awarded to develop new programmes in degree apprentices with local companies.

John Tabor, Chair of the SEATS board said: "This funding is crucial to continuing to grow and enhance the SEATS offering over the next months, maximising our impact to building industry-ready skills, delivering competitive capability, employment and growth in the South Essex area. The SEATS team have worked closely with local business and prospective employers to identify skills and capabilities required in the coming years and developing partnered offerings to deliver them."

There have been 13 awards made including to Tilbury Library to increase opening hours and skills programmes in digital and work readiness.

Cllr Val Morris Cook, Thurrock Council's Cabinet member for Community Partnerships, said: 'We welcome this funding which is a good example of the advantages of having a Freeport in the borough.

"The money will help the library stay open for longer so the local community in Tilbury can access the broad range of programmes on offer and ensure they are in the best possible position to take advantage of future opportunities the Freeport will bring to the area.

Other awards include:

·        London Borough of Barking and Dagenham – Developing and delivering logistics in Barking and Dagenham and construction entry level

·        Local London Skills Providers Network c/o LSEC - Green Skills Project Funding- micro credentials and addressing tutor shortages

·        New City College - Food and Drink Engineering and Sustainability in Thames Freeport

·        USP College - Creating a Logistics & International Supply Chain (skills and curriculum) to support Ports

·        Plymouth Business School and Port of Tilbury Skills accelerator and Innovation Initiative

·        Southeast Institute of Technology with regional Institutes of Technology New Hydrogen Skills training courses

·        Coventry University - Bootcamp for Power Electronics Fundamentals, Electric Motor Fundamentals and Battery Assembly

·        One Community Development Trust - Head start to Employment Project

·        Thurrock CVS – Developing Strategy and leadership capacity within the voluntary sector

·        CEME - Green Skills Showcase for teachers and children

·        Young Enterprise – Delivery of Future Pathways to employment

·        Primary Engineer- The Primary Engineer Construction Programme

Matt Hamnett, Thames Freeport Non-Executive Director said: "To realise our high ambition for the freeport we must invest in skills and training – both working with business to ensure that we create the talent pipeline they need to succeed, and with communities to ensure that through the Freeport we change lives. This first round of investment demonstrates the Freeport's potential, and determination to deliver real social and economic impact".

Freeport directors' pledge to Thurrock: https://thurrock.nub.news/news/local-news/thurrock-freeport-directors-pledge-they-will-make-a-positive-difference-and-the-legacy-will-be-a-boost-for-generations-in-borough-to-come-201497

Successful award winners said:

Dr Rong Huang - Interim Head of Plymouth Business School: "It is an honour to receive this award on behalf of my team from Plymouth Business School, recognising our commitment to advancing skills and innovation within the Thames Freeport. This project is not just about training—it's about empowering the workforce with the tools they need to lead in sustainable logistics, construction, and e-commerce. By fostering collaboration between academia and industry, we are creating a resilient, future-ready workforce that will drive both regional economic growth and environmental sustainability. Our partnership with Forth Port at Tilbury makes us an ideal partner with a local presence, working alongside local authorities to deliver for local communities.  We are proud to contribute to Thames Freeport's strategic goals and look forward to seeing the long-term positive impact on the community and the broader industry."

Dan Pearson, CEO of USP College: "The logistics sector is a vital growth area for our region, and we are thrilled to lead this crucial project that will benefit our community and the local economy. We look forward to working with STC from The Netherlands to help transform the local skills offer alongside Coventry University and other providers to develop new programmes. I'm particularly excited about the potential for local impact, and job opportunities that can be created, especially with the Port of Tilbury being just a short distance away from our Palmer's Campus in Thurrock."

Gerry McDonald, Group Principal & CEO at New City College: "We welcome Thames Freeport's co-ordinated approach to skills and employment across the region, with significant potential benefits to local people. This Future Skills & Talent initiative gives New City College an unrivalled opportunity to develop a new specialism in our sector-leading training delivery, as well as valuable industry partnerships. We are very grateful to the team at Thames Freeport for this focus on regional training priorities".