University awarded funding to boost skills among Thames Freeport workforce

The new investment will expand on the existing partnership between the Plymouth Business School and the Port of Tilbury
Drone view of Tilbury Docks in London, England
The University of Plymouth has been awarded funding by Thames Freeport to help drive its economic growth and prepare the local workforce to meet the demands of its rapid expansion.
The project will see the Plymouth Business School grow its existing partnership with the Port of Tilbury, located on the Thames and the principal port for London.
In particular, it will work with the Tilbury Logistics Academy to develop a comprehensive suite of short courses and micro-credentials.
The courses will cover essential business subjects such as project management, leadership, and decision-making for sustainable procurement, as well as logistics-related courses including freight forwarding and letters of credit.
Over the coming months, staff from Plymouth and Tilbury will work closely with secondary schools and colleges close to the Freeport, enhancing the ability to deliver relevant and accessible training to a broader audience.
In doing so, the hope is that the project will address local demographic needs and focus on increasing high-quality apprenticeship starts, supporting young people’s transitions into employment or further study, and developing emerging leaders.
The project harnesses the University’s expertise in disciplines including port operations, internationalisation, logistics and supply chain management, data analytics, and sustainable business management.

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. 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.

Rong HuangRong Huang
Interim Head of the Plymouth Business School

The funding awarded to the University is part of a £1.2 million programme of support for the Thames Freeport Community Skills Fund.
Established as part of Thames Freeport’s ongoing commitment to economic regeneration, it aims to create a highly skilled workforce capable of seizing new opportunities within the Freeport zone.
The recent funding will support a diverse range of training programmes, apprenticeships, and upskilling initiatives across key sectors, including logistics, manufacturing, and green technologies.
In the case of the Plymouth and Tilbury initiative, it also aligns with the Freeport’s key sectors and strategic priorities and supports the transition to a net-zero and smart city framework.
Martin Whiteley, CEO at Thames Freeport, said funds were part of a wider strategic investment for the Freeport, adding:
“These skills projects support the wider ambitions to build opportunities for a 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.”
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.”

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Drone view of Tilbury Docks in London, England
University awarded funding to boost skills among Thames Freeport workforce

The new investment will expand on the existing partnership between the Plymouth Business School and the Port of Tilbury

21 August 2024