Association of Colleges

06 November 2009

Offshore wind farms and cheese are among the industries driving growth in the UK’s new regional business hotspots.

Findings released today ahead of College’s Week (9-15 November) identify the ‘Skills Engines’, the location of the businesses at the heart of UK competitiveness – and the colleges providing the skills and training to fuel the specialism boom.

Northumberland is at the forefront of the green revolution, with the New and Renewable Energy Centre (Narec) in Blyth developing the largest offshore wind turbine in the world.

The south coast has steered through recent choppy waters with a growth in the luxury yacht industry. And the Wensleydale creamery in Yorkshire Dales market town Hawes, is set for growth after investing in new machinery to produce cheese with a pineapple twist.

The ‘Skills Engines’ are towns and areas in England that have demonstrated considerable growth over the last few years and are leading the development of new industries and skills to keep the UK competitive.
 

  Colleges Week 2009 - Skills engine report

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