Recently he project managed the delivery of an industry initiative aimed at performance improvement in partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTi) and employer groups.

Barry is excited at the prospect of developing his knowledge of the industries within the Cogent footprint.  He commented:  “it is interesting that the issues facing these strategically important industries are similar to those in the built environment sector, an ageing workforce, skills gaps and poor recruitment from schools and universities. 

“This is surprising since these industries provide executive and diverse opportunities for career development and progression.  It is difficult to see why they would not be an attractive target for anyone starting out on their working life.”

Driven by the Cogent industries themselves in response to tangible skills gaps and shortages, Cogent has grown steadily in both stature and influence. It now presents a clear and powerful voice, enabling sector employers to influence Government policy development and shape the outputs of training and education providers.

Cogent has undertaken in-depth research and analysis to find out what contribution skills can make to business performance in its sector. This has shown that it is clear that innovation, sustainability and productivity are ultimately dependent on skills.

Common skill sets are the glue that binds the future success of the six Cogent industries together. Its goal is to help produce the skills needed to transform businesses within these sectors into
world-class organisations.

His contact details are as follows: