Skilled and educated workforce

With its roots in the textile industry and a strong manufacturing presence in the area, it's not surprising that Huddersfield boasts a highly skilled workforce.

While certain traditional skills have been retained, others have been updated to undertake the technologically advanced tasks now demanded by the international textile and advanced manufacturing sector.

Yet the comparatively young population is also educated well educated and qualification levels outstrip any other town in West Yorkshire. In addition to the award-winning University of Huddersfield, another six universities are within an hours drive.

Demand for the areas highly skilled and educated workforce is high. Each day around 50,000 people commute from Huddersfield to work in neighbouring cities. It is an attractive labour pool that start-up or businesses relocating to the area can take full advantage of.

Skills: facts and figures

• At 79.7%, the proportion of the working age population that is economically active is higher than the national average
  
  
• Nearly 55,000 people of working age live within a 30 minute commute
  
  
• Within a 60-minute drive-time of Huddersfield, there are 3.2million people of working age
  
  
• Over 31% of 18-24 year olds are in full time education, almost 3% higher than the national average
  
  
• Nearly 30% of the working population are educated to NVQ Level 4 or above
  
  
• The University of Huddersfield has over 24,600 students from over 130 countries
  
  
• Another six major universities and 165,000 students are within 1-hour drive.

Both the University of Huddersfield and Kirklees College have dedicated business engagement departments, in order to work with businesses on delivering a range of courses and professional development opportunities.