The Institute for the Future of Work (IFOW) has identified issues with skills development and a lack of career pathways in Grimsby and Cornwall due to industrial decline and a shortage of skills needed for modern jobs, particularly in the growing green energy sector. IFOW’s research has highlighted that Cornwall and Grimsby have regional strengths in green industries but face shared challenges. There are significant skills gaps, low innovation readiness, and low uptake of vocational qualifications in these areas, creating barriers for local workers and young people transitioning into green jobs.
To address these challenges, IFOW has developed the Flourish platform using artificial intelligence algorithms and data, including analysis of 65 million UK job adverts. The platform is designed to help individuals understand their skills, explore green job opportunities, how their skills map to these jobs, and connects them with relevant vocational training. It also facilitates system-level coordination by connecting employers, training providers, and local government to improve green job pathways.
With support from Ufi, IFOW will test Flourish with learners in Grimsby and Cornwall, and develop training modules and resources for green job seekers. They will also produce a report with key findings on green job pathways and the future of work in these regions. IFOW aims to create systemic change in rural communities through data-driven solutions which could serve as a model for broader adoption, first in targeted local areas and then nationally.