The KQ Futures Programme in Liverpool gains £1.13m funding to expand its reach over the next five years.
- The investment aims to create 8,000 jobs and attract £800m to the region in the coming decade.
- KQ Futures targets inspiring students and bridging skill gaps in the life sciences sector.
- Funding will enhance internship opportunities and innovative educational resources.
- Investment will boost outreach activities and career pathways awareness for local students.
The Knowledge Quarter Liverpool’s Futures Programme has received a significant funding injection of £1.13 million from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority. This financial support, spanning the next five years, is poised to broaden the programme’s impact across the city.
The LCR Innovation Zone Programme, a key component of this initiative, is predicted to generate 8,000 new jobs and draw an impressive £800 million in investment to the Liverpool City Region over the next ten years. KQ Futures, part of this visionary plan, seeks to inspire young students from primary to 18 years of age and help them access opportunities in high-paying jobs that the Innovation Zone will bring.
By addressing the skills shortage prevalent in the life sciences sector, the KQ Futures Programme intends to remove obstacles to emerging roles in innovative industries. This initiative will create new paid internships and workplace experiences in science and technology sectors, which are crucial for fostering a skilled workforce.
Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, expressed enthusiasm for the transformative period the region is entering. “Our economy is being revolutionised by innovation – particularly in sectors like health and life sciences,” he stated. He emphasised the importance of expanding the programme to tackle skills shortages and ensure access to high-skilled roles for all young people, regardless of their background.
The KQ Futures Programme is among 20 projects being developed as part of the initial phase of the city region’s 10-year, £160 million Life Sciences Innovation Zone. The new funding will enable Knowledge Quarter Liverpool to scale up its existing skills and outreach activities, reaching a broader student body across the region.
Students will be introduced to various innovations occurring in the region and the potential career paths in sectors such as health and life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and digital and creative areas. The programme’s past initiatives, like the Careers Insight Week—conducted in collaboration with the LCR Careers Hub—illustrate its proactive approach to student engagement.
As part of the programme’s expansion, an animated children’s book titled ‘The Animates: Learning in Liverpool’ will be distributed to all primary schools in the city region. This resource will be accompanied by lessons designed to introduce the concept of innovation to young learners.
Andrew Lewis, chair of KQ Liverpool, highlighted the importance of enhancing skills for the long-term success of the Liverpool City Region, ensuring inclusivity in accessing innovation opportunities. “We have already welcomed hundreds of local young people to KQ Liverpool,” he remarked, underscoring the commitment to inspire a new generation through a series of activities and opportunities.
This funding marks a pivotal step towards equipping Liverpool’s future workforce with the skills necessary for thriving in innovative sectors.
