The Liverpool City Region is set to revolutionize its innovation landscape, thanks to a significant £1.13m funding boost. This ambitious initiative seeks to inspire local youth by expanding the KQ Futures Programme.
- The funding aims to create 8,000 jobs and draw substantial investment.
- KQ Futures targets skill shortages in life sciences and technology.
- Young students receive exposure to high-paying innovative jobs.
- Inclusivity is key, with access for all backgrounds emphasized.
The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority has allocated £1.13 million to expand the Knowledge Quarter Liverpool’s KQ Futures Programme over the next five years. This funding is a strategic move to stimulate the region’s economy by fostering innovation and inclusivity, focusing on inspiring students from primary schools up to 18 years old.
The broader LCR Innovation Zone Programme is poised to generate 8,000 new jobs, attracting up to £800 million in investment over the coming decade. The KQ Futures Programme is at the heart of this effort, addressing critical skill shortages in the life sciences sector. By removing barriers to high-skilled, high-paying roles, the initiative promises to offer new paid internships and workplace experiences.
Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, emphasized the transformative power of innovation in sectors like health and life sciences. He highlighted the region’s leadership in these fields and stressed the importance of equipping the next generation with the tools they need to succeed in these high-demand areas.
Acknowledging the existing resources, the new funding will enhance the city’s ability to reach students across the region. Young learners will be exposed to various career pathways into sectors such as health, life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and the digital and creative industries.
Past outreach efforts, like the Careers Insight Week, have already laid the groundwork by engaging over 250 students from Year 7 to Sixth Form in collaboration with the LCR Careers Hub. The expansion will include initiatives like an animated children’s book, ‘The Animates: Learning in Liverpool,’ distributed to primary schools to introduce innovation concepts.
Andrew Lewis, chair of KQ Liverpool, reiterated the importance of enhancing skills for the city region’s sustained success. By connecting students to local innovations, the program aims to prepare them for lucrative local employment opportunities. KQ Liverpool has already benefited numerous youths and looks forward to broadening its impact through new inspiring activities.
The growth of the KQ Futures Programme marks a pivotal step towards a more inclusive and innovative Liverpool City Region.
