A key priority for the Haven Gateway since its formation has been ensuring that the sub-region's employers and potential employers have access to the right skills and that the correct training is in place.

The new facilities at University Campus Suffolk - which opened in September 2007, Suffolk New College and Colchester Institute are starting to make significant impacts, but increasing the skills levels of the 16-19 age group as well as those already in work remain important goals.

The Education environment is a constantly changing area.  The Haven Gateway will therefore focus identified objectives whilst still continuing to support specific activities such as annual School Sea Port role plays.

It will also hold annual meetings with key agencies including Job Centre Plus, Learning and Skills Council, Higher Education Funding Council, Sector Skills Councils and the Education services within the County Councils.

The Haven Gateway Core objectives include:

• To promote and integrate education and skills policy within the wider aspirations of the Haven Gateway
• To provide a single point of contact for liaison on education and skills initiatives within the sub-region
• To develop, implement and monitor the success of a business plan for education and skills and to act as a forum for discussion
• The targets are a wider use of the Train to Gain service, improving literacy and numeracy, developing a more knowledge-based economy, and focusing on the strongest growth areas - ICT, engineering, and transport and logistics
• To promote and facilitate a Ports, Maritime and Logistics Academy within the East of England
• Focus on the Haven Gateway key sectors