Help Shape the Future of Skills and Jobs in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly
The Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Workforce and Skills Board and Cornwall Council are inviting you to have your say on the consultation draft of the Workforce and Skills Strategy for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
This Strategy sets out our shared vision for a future where everyone—no matter their background or where they live—can access good jobs, develop their skills, and thrive in a changing economy. It focuses on four key areas: inspiring the next generation, transforming productivity, driving innovation and ensuring opportunity for all.
Why are we refreshing the strategy?
Our last Workforce and Skills Strategy was published in 2021. Since then, the world of work has changed rapidly. We’ve seen new technologies emerge, growing demand for green jobs and ongoing challenges like an ageing population, skills shortages and economic inactivity.
This refreshed strategy builds on what we’ve learned and responds to new opportunities—like devolved powers over adult skills funding—and challenges, such as rising health-related worklessness. It also aligns with national policies like the Local Skills Improvement Plan, Cornwall’s Good Growth Plan and will support our work in developing our local Get Britain Working Plan.
What consultation has already taken place?
Between January and February 2025 and acting on our behalf, the University of Exeter spoke with over 150 people and organisations across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. This included employers, colleges, training providers, community groups, young people and careers professionals. Their insights have helped shape this draft strategy.
We heard about the need for more flexible training, better careers advice, stronger links between education and employers and support for people facing barriers to work—like poor transport, housing or health.
We are grateful to everyone who has already contributed to the development of the Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Workforce and Skills Strategy Refresh. Your early insights have been invaluable in informing our direction so far.
Why are we consulting again now?
We want to make sure this Strategy works for everyone. That’s why we’re now opening it up for wider public consultation before we publish the final version in September 2025.
Our consultation is open to everyone but we are especially keen to hear from:
• Residents – young people, students, jobseekers and career changers/improvers.
• Employers and business representative organisations
• Colleges, universities and other training providers
• Community and voluntary organisations, particularly those who represent e.g. rural communities and disadvantaged groups.
• Careers and employability support staff and organisations
• Other public and Government sector representatives.
Your feedback will help us finalise the strategy and make sure it reflects the real needs and ambitions of our communities. If you submitted feedback prior to the launch of this online survey, please be assured this has been recorded and will be taken into account as we shape the final strategy.
Before you start:
By registering yourself on Let’s Talk Cornwall (or signing in if you are already registered) before starting this questionnaire, you will be able to save the form part way through and return to it later without losing what you have already submitted. You will also receive a copy of your responses for your records.
