Iain Hatt: Economic growth starts with recruiting the right people – that’s why colleges matter more than ever

Iain Hatt has been Principal & Chief Executive at Wiltshire College & University Centre for the past five years and, during that time, has overseen a huge phase of growth in student numbers and employer partnerships. In the first of a new series of columns, he looks at the importance of people and skills in economic growth…

When people talk about economic growth, the conversation usually turns to infrastructure, investment, housing, planning or transport. 

These things matter because they create the conditions for success, but economic growth is ultimately about people. 

Businesses grow because they have talented people with the right skills. Communities prosper because people living there can access good jobs and opportunities. Places attract investment because employers are confident they can find and develop the workforce they need. 

That is why skills matter so much. 

Across Wiltshire, there is no shortage of ambition. Businesses continue to innovate, expand and adapt to changing markets. New technologies are transforming industries. The transition to a greener economy is creating new opportunities as well as new challenges. 

At the same time, employers are navigating skills shortages in a number of sectors. The question is not simply how we respond to these changes, it is how we help shape what comes next. 

This is where colleges play an important role. 

For many years, they were seen primarily as places where young people gained qualifications before moving into work. Today, our role is much broader. We work with employers to develop future talent, support apprenticeships, help adults retrain and upskill, and ensure people in our communities can access the opportunities being created by a changing economy. 

Importantly, education should not simply react to change. It can help drive it. 

Whether that is preparing people for careers that do not yet exist, supporting the adoption of new technologies, or developing the green skills needed for a more sustainable future, colleges have an opportunity to help businesses and communities prepare for what lies ahead. 

None of this happens in isolation. The strongest economies are often those where employers, education providers and other partners work together around a shared ambition for their place. 

Wiltshire has enormous strengths. We have successful businesses, ambitious young people, thriving communities and a strong sense of place. By continuing to work together, we have an opportunity not only to respond to the challenges ahead but to shape the future we want to see. 

Economic growth starts and ends with people. Investing in skills, opportunity and talent is not simply an investment in education, it is an investment in businesses, communities and future prosperity. 

Wiltshire has all the ingredients needed to succeed. The challenge for all of us is to work together to ensure that today’s learners become tomorrow’s workforce, innovators and leaders. If we can do that, we won’t just respond to change, we’ll help create the future we want to see. 

It all starts with a conversation, employers can talk to us about the growth they’re aiming for and the skills they need to get there. That’s where change begins. 

Iain has recently been recognised for his leadership skills, with his nomination as a finalist in the 2026 TBE Awards.

Find out more about support for business from Wiltshire College & University Centre at: wiltshire.ac.uk/employers/. 

Pictured: Iain Hatt, Principal & Chief Executive at Wiltshire College & University Centre, believes economic growth starts and ends with people.