Profile
The region is dominated by nuclear and chemical industry clusters. There are a number of significant nuclear sites in the western region in Cumbria and around Warrington (Sellafield in Cumbria and nuclear powerstations at Heysham and Capenhurst near Chester). The polymer sector is represented across the region.
See also:
LMI
Skills Trends
There are many underlying issues which are common to the industries within the region. These include:
• A need for highly skilled managers, researchers, engineers and technicians as well as process operators, drivers and retail staff.
• Ageing workforces.
• Recruitment difficulties, especially of skilled and experienced personnel.
• Poor industry image and profile.
• Increasing impact of legislation.
• Focus on environmental impact of the industries.
• The pace of technological change.
• Competitiveness, particularly against overseas companies.
• Potential to grow global markets for end products.
• Competence Assurance requirements
Cogent Activities
Cogent works with local employers and a range of other key stakeholders such as Regional Development Agencies, ELWa Local Learning and Skills Councils and the DTI to identify and address workforce development requirements in the region.
Cogent also provides leadership and support to add value by, for example, developing or delivering appropriate learning frameworks or qualifications.
Cogent has developed strong relationships with the Chemical Industry Training Organisations (CITO) network and other chemical industry organisations such as the Centre for Process Industries (CPI) and is very active within a number of industry forums.
The team is also working with individual employers in the region to implement skills development solutions to specific issues affecting them and help in accessing funding for such initiatives.
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