The purpose of combined authorities, driven by government, is economic growth and public sector reform. Economic growth requires improved productivity. The main obstacle, it is claimed, is a "skills deficit," which schools need to address. In this article the evidence for this claim is examined. The real problem, it is argued, is a structurally low-skill, low-investment economy. What employers want from "non-academic" school leavers is basic skills, "soft skills" and positive attitudes to work. The contradiction with the Government's EBacc-dominated curriculum creates a space for "employability" programmes in schools which may be promoted by combined authorities.