Portsmouth employers should make more use of apprentices as the city’s regeneration gathers pace, a business conference has heard.
The Hampshire Chamber-led Future Portsmouth event brought together more than 170 representatives from commerce, education, charities and local government.
A key theme was the ‘transformational’ benefit of City Deal funding in creating jobs. Delegates were given advice on how to find support, loans and grants for filling apprenticeship places.
Two speakers from Portsmouth City Council – Council Leader Donna Jones and Development Manager Claire Upton-Brown – highlighted the substantial regeneration projects under way or in the pipeline.
Their list included the Ben Ainslie Racing hub at The Camber, the £100 million infrastructure investment at Portsmouth Naval Base, new homes and employment space in the northern quarter and city centre, and a recently announced £10 million research centre for maritime intelligence systems at Portsdown Hill.
Councillor Jones said: “Portsmouth has a huge heart and we need to build on our strengths. As a regional economy we have been moving from shipbuilding and welding to advanced manufacturing in marine, maritime, aerospace and other sectors. However, key local industries are struggling to recruit people with the right skills. That is where apprenticeships can play a crucial role. They can inspire young people, and the businesses they work for, to achieve their aspirations.”
Claire Upton-Brown added: “The City Deal is transformational and with the America’s Cup base being built, Portsmouth is gaining a worldwide profile. We have a massive opportunity to give our city a stable future going forward.”
The event was held on the eve of National Apprenticeship Week and attracted more than 20 exhibiting organisations including Highbury College.
Dee John, Executive Director of the College and a member of Hampshire Chamber’s Portsmouth Area Committee, said: “We have seen a huge growth in apprenticeships and the College has very good relationships with around 1,200 local employers in all kinds of sectors. However, that could increase still further if more employers found out about the benefits of apprenticeships. We know that because of age profiles many businesses are facing not only a skills ‘gap’ but what we call a skills ‘cliff’. We and other colleges can help.”
Stewart Dunn, Hampshire Chamber Chief Executive, said: “The conference was a great way to focus on skills and apprenticeships with the various Portsmouth regeneration projects set to increase jobs in the supply chain. Employers are always keen to find ways of bridging skills gaps and making sure they have the right team on board with the right business attitude.”
The conference was held in partnership with Portsmouth City Council, Solent Growth Hub and the business affiliation group Shaping the Future of Portsmouth. Its Project Director Cheryl Buggy, who compered the event, said: “Portsmouth has upped its game in difficult times. As the visual impact of the city changes we will see significant economic change including more inspirational buildings and the need for businesses to be in those buildings.”
Event supporters were the radio station Express FM, event venue the Portsmouth Marriott Hotel, the National Apprenticeship Service, the design and print firm Copythat, and ALPHI, the Association of Learning Providers for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.