Somerset Council has unveiled a major new plan to tackle economic inactivity and address skills shortages across the county as Somerset prepares for a wave of large‑scale investment.
The four‑year programme, Somerset Can, aims to build a resilient, ambitious workforce able to take advantage of the growing number of opportunities created by developments such as the Agratas battery plant at the Gravity Enterprise Zone, Hinkley Point C, Leonardo and other expanding businesses.
The Council says the initiative will support residents at every stage of their working lives, from inspiring ambition in younger children to helping teenagers and adults into education, training and employment, and enabling those already in work to progress in their careers. The aim is to ensure Somerset’s labour market remains strong and can supply a steady pipeline of skilled people to meet the needs of a fast‑growing economy.
While major investments bring jobs and growth, they can also place pressure on the labour market if there are not enough skilled workers locally to fill vacancies. Existing businesses may face shortages if staff move to new roles created by large projects. Somerset Can is designed to reduce these risks by investing in local talent, helping ensure new job opportunities are taken up by Somerset residents and that established employers can continue to access skilled staff.
Council Leader Cllr Bill Revans said Somerset has a strong record of attracting national and global investment, and that the Council’s role is to make sure local communities benefit. He said the programme is designed to deliver positive change across the whole economy and help Somerset avoid the pressures that can come with large‑scale development.
Somerset’s jobless rate sits below the national average at 3.6 per cent, but figures show that around one in five working‑age residents are not economically active. The county also has a relatively high number of young people not in education, employment or training.
Somerset Can is funded by central government and built around three themes reflecting different stages of workforce development. Dream focuses on raising ambition in primary and secondary schools, Grow supports entry into education, training and employment for 16‑ to 18‑year‑olds, NEETs, parents and employers, and Thrive aims to help people in work progress while supporting employers with retention and sustainability.
Each theme will include targeted support designed with partners and stakeholders, offering responses to specific issues in Somerset’s labour market. This will include resources for schools, mentoring for young people and a revitalised network of employment hubs to help residents find advice and support.
The proposals will be considered by Somerset Council’s Climate, Environment and Place Scrutiny Committee on 3 September, before going to the Gravity Enterprise Zone Executive Sub‑Committee later in the month.
