Wakefield has published the Wakefield Futures Report, outlining a plan to grow high-skilled employment and strengthen local training provision. The report, released by the Wakefield Futures Commission, sets out recommendations to attract skilled workers and create well-paid roles across the district.
Central to the proposals is the establishment of the Wakefield Futures Centre, an employer-led hub designed to co-develop higher-level training with local businesses. The initiative aims to align skills provision with labour market demand, helping companies expand while improving earning potential for residents.
The report supports Wakefield Council’s target of 80,000 additional annual completions in high-demand sectors. Training programmes are intended to be short, flexible, and affordable, allowing learners to balance existing commitments with skill development.
Wakefield faces challenges in retaining and developing higher-level skills, despite its status as a UNESCO Learning City. The Commission emphasises the need for a coordinated approach that increases both the supply of skilled people and the availability of higher-skilled jobs.
The Commission plans to collaborate with existing providers, employers, and partners to build a skills ecosystem designed to enhance productivity, support business growth, and make Wakefield an attractive location for residents and workers.
