Written by Jessie Colligan, IRES Communications and Events Assistant
We are pleased to share the latest updates from the Integrated Regional Employability and Skills (IRES) Programme, including the 2027+ proposal, the new animation video and the launch of the pledge campaign.
The IRES Programme continues to deliver significant impact across the region, exceeding its headline targets years ahead of schedule. Building on this success, we have spent the past year working with over 180 partners across the region to co-create the IRES 2027+ Proposal, setting out how the programme can be expanded to meet rising skills demand. The IRES 2027+ Proposal outlines an ambitious programme supported by £140 million of investment, aiming to deliver:
• 65,000 additional skills improvements
• 30,000 job outcomes
• 10,000 career progressions
Delivered through eight Skills Gateways and four Enabler projects, the programme will strengthen regional pathways into higher-skilled, better-paid work across key sectors.
Watch the new IRES 2027+ animation, which provides a short overview of the programme, highlights the impact achieved so far, and explains how partners across the region have co-produced the IRES 2027+ Proposal to respond to our future regional skills needs.
The IRES 2027+ Pledge Campaign was launched on 6th March by the Edinburgh & South East Scotland City Region Deal Joint Committee, marking the start of a region-wide call for support for the next phase of the programme.
Over the coming months, industry partners, employers, and stakeholders across the region will be invited to sign the pledge, demonstrating their support for continued investment in the regional skills system and the vision set out in the IRES 2027+ Proposal.
If you would like to know more, please follow us on the Integrated Regional Employability & Skills (IRES) LinkedIn page.
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