Joanna Woolf presented a keynote speech at the annual North East Process Industry Cluster (NEPIC) Skills event, where Cogent also showcased its products and services.

The event, which took place at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland, saw the launch of the National Skills Academy Process Industries – for which the “hub” will be based in the North East of England.

The industry here, like the process industries throughout the UK, is facing many challenges: global competition, increased energy costs, legislation and so on, but it is clear from the conference that the overriding problem is the shortage of a skilled workforce.

Indeed NEPIC's recent skills survey in the North East identified 16,000 new jobs in the Process Industry, which have to be filled if the region is to sustain and grow this key industry sector.

Joanna, alongside a range of speakers from various disciplines, including Craig Crowther interim CEO of the Academy, set out the critical skills challenges which are impacting on the Process Industry – as well as the Cogent family solutions that are being developed.

There was also the opportunity to attend smaller, sector-focused presentations and interactive discussions.