Funding confirmed to address skills shortage

Coast to Capital has announced that £3.6 million Local Growth Funding has been awarded to a number of projects to help create skills for the future, with Plumpton College receiving support for its new campus at Stanmer Park. 

The LEP’s ambition is to boost the economy by giving people the skills they need to earn an income, allowing them to remain living in the area. This should be accessible to everyone, regardless of location, age, gender, skill level or ability.

•  Plumpton College (£831,265) - for the development of an Advanced Skills Centre for Horticulture and Woodland and Tree Management Science.
• Haywards Heath College (£1.2 million) - to enable the opening of Haywards Heath College in September 2020 to provide post-16 education to residents of Mid-Sussex.
• East Surrey College (£820,000) - to develop a new Advanced Skills Technology Centre at East Surrey College for the delivery of advanced and higher technology skills. 
• Croydon Creative Campus (£803,727) - supporting the expansion of London South Bank University (LSBU) in Croydon which will bring together faculties for life sciences, education, business, finance and digital and tech

These projects are welcomed by the Coast to Capital Skills 360 board which is leading Local Industrial Strategy research and building a picture of the skills needed in the coming years, such as providing ‘work-ready’ employees and measuring the impact of EU immigration on key sectors.

The schemes are subject to final checks and due diligence.

Jonathan Sharrock, Coast to Capital Chief Executive said

The Coast to Capital Board was delighted to award funding to a number of Local Growth Fund schemes that will enhance the skills offer across the Coast to Capital area. Our Local Industrial Strategy research has identified a number of skills needs which we are in the process or prioritising and our investments in this area will help to address some of the emerging issues and opportunities.

View more information on the investments portfolio and Local Industrial Strategy here.