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Humber Freeport signs skills deal

[ September 30, 2025   //   ]

Humber Freeport has signed a partnership with the Humber Principals Group of colleges to develop skills employer engagement across the region.

The two organisations will work closely together to connect industry with education and young people with successful careers.

The Humber Principals Group comprises of multiple colleges and college groups, which educate over 50,000 students. It includes Hull College, East Riding College, Bishop Burton College, Wyke Sixth Form College, Wilberforce College, Franklin College, DN Colleges Group and John Leggott College.

Working with Humber Freeport will deepen knowledge and understanding of the specific skills needs of investors and major employers, equipping young people and adults alike with the skills they need to thrive.

The partnership was announced at the North Green Skills Conference in Hull, which brought together politicians, business leaders, academics and media to discuss the challenges the North of England faces to reskill its workforce and meet evolving demands from employers.

Interim chair of Humber Freeport and vice chancellor of the University of Lincoln, Professor Neal Juster, said: “To attract major inward investments, and support the growth of existing businesses, we need the right people with the right skills to create a pipeline of talent. Partnerships like this are vital to help education providers shape their curriculum and courses to meet the specific needs of employers in the region.

“Similarly, to retain talent in the Humber, we need the breadth of employment opportunities and careers to match the skills of our young people. It really is a two-way conversation.”

Skills is one of Humber Freeport’s three key workstreams, alongside innovation and decarbonisation.

The Freeport’s £25m seed capital fund has already supported a number of projects in the including the  ongoing expansion of training provider CATCH, and Ideal Heating’s UK Technology Centre in Hull.

Both of these projects were identified as addressing key skills gaps in the Humber, specifically in engineering, construction and low carbon technology.

Chair of the Humber Principals Group and Hull College principal, Debra Gray said: “Skills must transcend geographical boundaries, focusing instead on the industries and sectors which will drive growth and, in turn, create new job opportunities. When I first came to Hull College four years ago, Humber Freeport was in its infancy. The impact it has made in recent years, stimulating inward investment and unlocking key development sites, will be transformational for our region.”

Humber Freeport has pledged to create 7,000 skilled jobs through investment at its three tax sites, in Hull, Immingham and Goole.

Major investments already announced include Finnish manufacturer Metsä Tissue in Goole, Mitsubishi Chemical Group at Saltend Chemicals Park in Hull, and Siemens Gamesa at Hull Alexandra Dock.

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