Employers across Northamptonshire are being urged to help shape a major project that will influence government policy on skills and talent across the Oxford to Cambridge Growth Corridor.
The Oxford to Cambridge Supercluster Board has commissioned a study to identify the long-term skills needs of businesses in the region, particularly in science and technology. While connections are well established with employers in Oxford and Cambridge, the project team is seeking greater engagement from businesses in the central part of the Corridor, including Northamptonshire.
The programme is led by Sarah Haywood, Managing Director of innovation network Advanced Oxford. She said: “We are building a long term vision of the skills and talent that we will need to support the projected growth of the Oxford to Cambridge Growth Corridor. We want to ensure that the voices of employers in Northamptonshire and the wider central Corridor are heard. Their input is vital in identifying the skills and talent requirements that will drive sustainable growth over the next 10 to 25 years.”
The project, which runs until January 2026, is exploring future workforce requirements in:
- Science and technology
- The green economy
- The creative industries
It will examine how to train, retrain and retain a workforce capable of meeting the advanced skills demands of knowledge-intensive sectors, and what interventions are needed from education providers, businesses and government.
The government has identified the Oxford to Cambridge Growth Corridor as a key driver of UK economic growth. Independent forecasts suggest the region could generate an additional £78 billion in economic output by 2035 and 403,000 high-skilled jobs by 2050. In January, former chief scientific adviser Lord Patrick Vallance was appointed as ministerial champion for the Corridor.
The programme is also linked to the delivery of East West Rail, with policymakers keen to ensure the transport link fulfils its role in supporting skills and economic development across the region.
“As a provider of accountancy apprenticeships with a base in Milton Keynes, I know how important it is that the central part of the Corridor has a strong voice in this debate,” said Gareth John, director at [Your Business Name] and a member of the Oxford to Cambridge Supercluster Board. “The Corridor cannot realise its full potential unless employers in Northamptonshire are engaged. This is a chance to influence government thinking and ensure the skills system works for our local economy as well as the wider region.”
Businesses in Northamptonshire interested in contributing to the project are encouraged to connect with Advanced Oxford to share their views (info@advancedoxford.com). An online Townhall will take place on 17th October 12.30pm – 1.30pm which will provide updates on the project. More information and registration details can be found here.
