16 July 2026

The Government has agreed to work with Tees Valley Combined Authority to strengthen the skills pipeline for Teesside’s world-leading maritime industry after Luke Myer MP raised the issue directly with ministers in Parliament today.

Speaking in the Commons, Luke warned that while Teesside has a “leading maritime industry” and “excellent further education landscape”, local employers have identified a shortage of the qualifications and training needed to help more young people into maritime careers. In response, Maritime Minister Keir Mather agreed to work with the Combined Authority to help bridge that gap and encourage more local people into the industry.

Today’s commitment comes as the newly published Tees Valley Local Skills Improvement Plan identifies the need for employers, education providers and government to work much more closely together to match training with industry demand. The report highlights growing shortages of technical skills, practical experience and specialist training needed to support Teesside’s industrial future, including “maritime-focused engineering skills”.

The announcement is the latest step in Labour’s wider maritime strategy, which has consistently placed Teesside at the heart of Britain’s industrial renewal. Since Keir Starmer launched his national £1.8 billion ports commitment at Teesport before the 2024 General Election, the Government has backed planning reforms to help ports expand, invested hundreds of millions of pounds in clean maritime technology through UK SHORE, and completed reforms designed to unlock further private investment into Britain’s ports and coastal economies.

Luke Myer MP said:

“Teesside has one of the best maritime industries anywhere in the country, but we need to make sure more local young people can benefit from the opportunities it creates. Businesses have told me there is a disconnect between industry and education, and that’s exactly what I raised with the Minister today.

“I’m pleased the Government has agreed to work with Tees Valley Combined Authority to help address that. We’ve got world-class employers, excellent colleges, and huge investment coming into our region. Now we need to make sure local people have the skills and qualifications to take those jobs.

“I’m looking forward to working with Tees Maritime, employers, education providers and ministers to turn today’s commitment into real opportunities for young people across Teesside.”

Joanne Vinton-Bullwinkel, Operations Director at Tees Maritime, said:

“Luke has been a fantastic advocate for both the region and the industry that drives it, and it’s encouraging to see this issue receiving the attention it deserves.

“Tees Maritime was established to bring industry, education and government together to tackle exactly this challenge, and we look forward to working with the Minister, Luke and Tees Valley Combined Authority to turn today’s commitment into action.”