IRES Projects
Developed as a cross-sector change programme, IRES was designed to transform regional labour market policy and practice, with a clear focus on driving inclusive growth. Backed by a £25 million investment over eight years, the programme set out an ambitious vision to better align skills, employability and economic opportunity across the region.
The programme is delivered through seven interconnected projects, underpinned by a strong focus on knowledge sharing, data insight, evaluation and continuous improvement.
The Data Skills Gateway brings together universities, colleges, schools and industry partners to create clear routes into data and technology careers. It supports learning from foundational data literacy in schools through to advanced postgraduate training, helping to build the region’s future digital workforce.
The HCI Skills Gateway creates clear and inclusive progression routes into construction careers across the city region. It supports learners at every stage, from introducing basic skills in schools through to advanced training and leadership opportunities, helping address skills shortages across the sector.
The Integrated Employer Engagement project strengthens links between employers and the regional skills system. By coordinating how businesses engage with employability and training services, the project helps ensure that employers can access the talent they need while creating new opportunities for residents across the region.
The Integrated Knowledge System project is developing a joined-up regional management information system for skills and employability services. By connecting data across partners, it improves collaboration, supports better decision-making and enables more effective delivery of services across the region.
The Intensive Family Support Service provides multi-agency, whole-family support across the city region. Delivered through local partnerships, it helps families facing complex challenges to access services, improve stability and create pathways into education, training and employment.
The Labour Market Analysis and Evaluation project strengthens the region’s ability to understand and respond to labour market trends. By analysing patterns of skills demand and supply, it helps ensure that education, training and employability services are aligned with the needs of both employers and residents.
This project recognises the vital role transport plays in accessing jobs, training and education. By improving coordination across transport and employability services, it helps ensure that people can reach opportunities and supports the wider ambitions of the IRES programme and the Regional Prosperity Framework.
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