East Midlands Freeport has announced a new investment in the region’s future workforce with the launch of its new Skills Plan and fund. Rooted in practical, community‑led action, the Plan puts people first – supporting young learners, educators and adults to build skills, confidence and clear pathways into good jobs as the Freeport develops.
The Skills Delivery Plan sets out how East Midlands Freeport will bring employers, education providers and community organisations together to develop the skills needed across the region’s fast‑growing clean energy, manufacturing and logistics sectors. With a strong focus on practical steps, the Plan is designed to ensure local people benefit directly as new developments progress across East Midlands Freeport tax sites.
The Plan aligns closely with the Mayor of the East Midlands’ ambition to drive inclusive growth, raising productivity while expanding access to opportunity, and ensuring communities across the region can share in the area’s economic transformation.
Building on the Freeport’s early investment in skills and innovation through programmes such as the Future Energy Skills Hub (FESH) and the East Midlands Zero Carbon Innovation Centre (EMZCIC), East Midlands Freeport is now going further with the launch of its first pilot schemes to deliver the Plan.
Designed to inspire the next generation and strengthen pathways from primary school to adulthood, the pilot will support three projects that test different, community-led approaches to developing skills and confidence:
- “Primary Engineer Vehicle Programme”: Upskilling primary school teachers to deliver hands-on STEM engagement, helping pupils build curiosity, teamwork and problem-solving skills from an early age.
- “If You Were an Engineer, What Would You Do?”: A competition for schools where pupils interview engineers, identify real-world problems and design imaginative solutions.
- “Road to Logistics”: supporting a group of individuals from disadvantaged or underrepresented groups through accredited training in employability, digital literacy, sustainable logistics and warehousing technology, with wraparound support and guaranteed interviews.
These projects will reach schools and communities across Leicestershire, Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire, directly supporting the Freeport’s goal to grow local opportunity and strengthen the region’s skills base.
Tom Newman-Taylor, Chief Executive, East Midlands Freeport, said: “The Freeport is here to unlock jobs and investment for the region, and that relies on people having the skills to seize those opportunities. This Plan sets the direction to directly support building a workforce that will attract new businesses and create more jobs.
“We’re investing in young people, teachers and adults so communities across the East Midlands can benefit from the opportunities the Freeport is creating. This work supports the Mayor’s mission for inclusive growth by ensuring investment leads to real opportunities for local people.”
Jennifer Swain, Director of Talent, Development and HR, Road to Logistics, said: “Road to Logistics is delighted to be a recipient of funding from East Midlands Freeports. We are very much looking forward to working in partnership, to support local community members into training and sustainable employment in logistics.
“This funding will allow us to train 10 individuals to gain their Category C license and move into employment with one of our partner employers. Our learners find the Road to Logistics initiative transformational, empowering them to gain a qualification, and enter a career where they can earn an average of £40k a year.”
Andrew Norris, Head of Partnerships for North West and Central England, Primary Engineer, said: “Primary Engineer aims to engage both primary and secondary school pupils and teachers with the vast and inspirational world of engineering and technology.
“We are delighted to have been successful with our application to bring our work to the East Midlands Freeport area allowing young people to begin developing STEM skills and the Engineering Habits of Mind which are so important to the future workforce. Research shows STEM aspirations and perceptions are formed during the primary years and have solidified by the age of fourteen. This funding will allow us to work with young people to develop those aspirations at an early age to want to follow a career in the East Midlands within the local engineering sectors.”
John Bailey, Managing Director – Intermodal, Maritime Transport, said: “As a major employer across the East Midlands operating within the Freeport, we know that investing in people is just as important as investing in infrastructure. This plan and pilot fund show a clear commitment to developing local talent and supporting inclusive growth, helping ensure the opportunities created by the Freeport lead to real jobs and long-term careers for people across the East Midlands.”
Notes to editors
For more information, please contact: info@emfreeport.com
About East Midlands Freeport
East Midlands Freeport is the UK’s only inland Freeport, strategically positioned to drive investment, create high-quality jobs, and accelerate clean growth. Centred around East Midlands Airport, the Freeport includes three nationally significant sites – EMAGIC, Ratcliffe-on-Soar, and EMIP – spanning advanced manufacturing, green energy and next-gen logistics.
Governed by a public-private board with full local authority representation, EMF is committed to reinvesting over £1 billion into the region through retained business rates, ensuring the long-term success of communities, infrastructure and innovation.
Find out more at www.emfreeport.com
About Road to Logistics
Road to Logistics is a national training program to encourage new talent into the transport and logistics industry from sections of society where individuals need help and support.
If you are interested in becoming a learner, please contact: jennifer.swain@roadtologistics.org
About Primary Engineer
Primary Engineer, since 2005, have developed an engineering curriculum that spans Early Years, Primary, Secondary and Further Education institutions. Its core aims include the development of children and young people through engagement with engineering, the promotion of engineering careers through inspiring programmes and competitions, the development of engineering skills for teachers and practitioners addressing the inequalities in engineering.