USP College Leads Skills Project for Thames Freeport
- Posted 22 Oct 2024
USP College is proud to announce its leadership role in a new project funded through the Thames Freeport Skills Accelerator Pilot Programme. The initiative, led by the College, is designed to identify the long-term skills and qualification needs of key port employers within the Thames Freeport area, with a focus on logistics, international supply chains, and the integration of green skills and renewable energy technologies.
The project, a first step towards a wider partnership, brings together STC, a renowned maritime and port logistics technical college in Rotterdam, and local Further and Higher Education (FE/HE) providers, including New City College, SEATS (South Essex Advanced Technical Skills) and Coventry University.
A key project partner is the Port of Tilbury, who will play an active role in guiding the programme's development. The Port of Tilbury is a significant local employer and its close proximity to USP College's Palmer’s Campus in Grays highlights the project’s potential for local impact.
In addition to addressing the sector’s skills gaps, USP College will leverage its expertise in Virtual Reality (VR) to enhance training and delivery models. The College’s XTEND Digital Campus offers cutting-edge technology, including motion capture and VR development, which will be fundamental in creating immersive and practical learning experiences. This state-of-the-art approach will ensure that students and employees alike receive training that is not only relevant but also at the forefront of technological innovation.
“The logistics sector is a vital growth area for our region, and we are thrilled to lead this crucial project that will benefit our community. Together, with the established partners of this project, we will identify the skills and qualifications necessary for this sector to excel. I’m particularly proud of the local impact, and job opportunities that can be created, especially with the Port of Tilbury being just a short distance away from our Palmer’s Campus in Grays.”
“At USP College we have delivered our career-focused strategy since 2020, in collaboration with Higher Education Institutes and employers taking a front row in how the curriculum is planned. Skills, knowledge and qualifications are offered in-line with the industries’ requirements, and we are looking forward to bringing that experience with us to this project.”
The project will ensure the curriculum meets the needs of both educational institutions and industry standards in collaboration with employers, providers and Thames Freeport – helping this already growing industry to succeed.
The College was recently graded Good by Ofsted, with a Strong rating in contribution to skills, this reflects the College’s efforts to identify, and implement the relevant opportunities to students so that they thrive in their chosen industry.
Ofsted said: “Students benefit from the involvement of employers and other stakeholders in the design of courses. This involvement ensures that course content is relevant and up to date. Employers also provide live briefs and masterclasses for students that help to bring topics to life.”.