Scarborough facing skills “crisis”

The opening of a potash mine, the development of offshore wind farms off the Yorkshire coast and the building of a new water park are among the schemes expected to give rise t0 6,000 full-time post s and 4,000 construction jobs.

But a report to be considered by Scarborough Council’s cabinet next week says action needs to be taken to improve skill levels in the town.

It says: “The Council and local employers believe that the Borough is facing a major education and skills challenge which has the potential to become a crisis if it is not addressed.

“The Borough has a low skills base underpinned by poor performance in the education sector.

“The forecast demands for employment by the new sectors combined with replacement demand issues will place tremendous pressures on the economy.”

Councillors will be asked to agree a new strategy which aims to make Scarborough “the most highly skilled coastal community by 2030”. The strategy will focus on improving skills in areas of the local economy expecting significant growth.