Welcome to Yorkshire
Published on September 15th, 2026
•Wakefield is set to launch an exciting plan aimed at improving skills and job opportunities for its residents. This initiative, known as the Employment and Skills Plan (2026-2029), is designed to ensure that people of all ages, especially young individuals, have access to the training and support they need to secure good jobs. The plan is an important part of the local economy's growth and aims to create a skilled workforce that benefits both individuals and businesses in the area.
Plan Overview
The Employment and Skills Plan is a response to the increasing need for a highly skilled workforce in Wakefield. It has been developed by the local council in consultation with various partners and employers. The plan is aligned with the Wakefield Futures report and the recently launched Economic Growth Plan, which outlines how residents can contribute to and benefit from economic development.
Andrew Wakefield, the Cabinet Member for Strategic Housing, Skills and Business Growth, highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating:
“A highly skilled workforce is essential to the future success of our area. We want to strengthen routes into education, training, and employment for everyone, wherever they live.”
He emphasised that when local people have access to skills and training, they are more likely to find better-paying and more secure jobs, which in turn helps local businesses thrive.
Supporting Lifelong Learning
As a UNESCO Learning City, Wakefield is committed to lifelong learning for all its residents. This means that everyone, regardless of their age or background, should have the opportunity to learn new skills throughout their lives. The Employment and Skills Plan aims to make this commitment a reality by connecting various organisations and resources within the district.
The plan focuses on several key areas, including:
Providing targeted support for young people, especially those facing barriers to education and employment.
Creating better pathways into learning and work for residents.
Addressing challenges such as transport and costs that may prevent individuals from accessing training opportunities.
Future Employment Opportunities
The plan identifies high-growth sectors in Wakefield's economy, such as advanced manufacturing, logistics, and the creative industries. These areas are expected to drive the district's future success and offer plenty of job opportunities. The strategy outlines how employers, schools, and community partners can work together to raise aspirations and improve access to these sectors.
By focusing on these industries, the plan aims to equip residents with the skills needed to thrive in a changing job market. This approach not only benefits individuals seeking employment but also supports local businesses in finding the skilled workforce they need to grow.
Next Steps
The Wakefield Cabinet will discuss the Employment and Skills Plan in a meeting scheduled for Tuesday 22 September 2026, at 5:30 PM. Residents and interested parties can watch the meeting live or later via the Wakefield Council's YouTube channel at this link.
This meeting will be an opportunity for community members to learn more about the plan and its potential impact on the local economy and job market.