"Upskilling local people is crucial to city's growth'

LEADER SAYS SKILLED WORKERS NEEDED

- ALISON STEPHENSON

PLYMOUTH needs local people to increase their skills so it can maximise "vast opportunities" over the next few years, according to council leader Tudor Evans.

Cllr Evans claims Plymouth is "on the cusp" of realising its potential but must make "a concerted effort" to raise skills.

Unveiling the Plymouth Economic Strategy, he told the natural infrastructure and growth scrutiny panel that high value jobs are crucial to improving prosperity, with 7,500 at Babcock's Devonport Dockyard including 2,000 construction jobs in the next 10 years.

Over the last two years, 7,000 jobs have been created in the city.

As well as focusing on marine, manufacturing defence and industries, the council aims to support emerging sectors such as floating offshore wind (Flow) and creative industries, as well as developing the city's four ports.

But Cllr Evans said the way forward is not without challenges, as the labour market is tight, there is a growing demand for skilled workers, the city centre needs 'reimagining' and there is a climate emergency.