Agenda item

(i)              Joint Report of the Assistant Chief Executive and the Corporate

Director of Regeneration and Economic Development.

(ii)             Presentation by Economic Development Manager and Employability Manager.

The Chairman thanked the Employability Manager,  Regeneration and Economic Development, John Tindale who was in attendance to give an update to Members in relation to Skills Development in County Durham (for copy see file of minutes).

The Employability Manager referred Members to copies of the presentation (for copy see file of minutes) including statistics relating to employment, qualifications and apprenticeships and added that if Members could contact him as regards information for their particular Divisions.

The Committee learned that a current key issue was the Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) as offered in schools relating to employment and training options and it was explained that employers’ feedback was that there was a need to get young people ready for work in terms of “soft skills” such as communication and time-keeping.  Members noted that Labour Market Intelligence was another important area, being able to understand what opportunities were available and who could help, including employers, in terms of maximising those opportunities.  Councillors were reminded that economic confidence was important in terms of employers being willing to invest in training, taking on apprentices or expanding their business.  Members noted that another important aspect was funding arrangements, with issues as explained under the EU Funding Agenda Item and the reduced budgets that Local Authorities faced.  Councillors learned that another key issue was that of Adult Skills, for those over 24 years of age, as most schemes and programmes focussed on those 18-24 years of age.

The Employability Manager noted 5 skills priorities that were national, regional and local: that employers lead on skills development; improved workplace productivity; clear pathway for young people development; meaningful work experience; and success measured by jobs, progression and qualifications.  In respect of employers leading on skills development, an example was given whereby a local cricket club wanted 2 apprenticeships focusing on grounds maintenance, with coaching and working with young people in addition.  It was explained that initially there was no suitable apprenticeship programmes with both of the aspects the cricket club desired, so accordingly Officers at the Council spoke to New College Durham (NCD) and NCD then created a suitable apprenticeship framework to allow 2 apprentices to be employed.

The Committee noted that priorities for 2015 included the areas of: Workforce; Business; and Enabling.  Members learned that in respect of “workforce”, priorities included: improving qualifications and skills; skills to enable progression to employment; skills to improve enterprise; and more focus on economically deprived communities.  Councillors noted in respect of “business”, priorities included: meeting the skills demands of growth sectors; increasing apprenticeship opportunities; and to stimulate demand for higher level skills.  Members learned that in respect of “enabling”, priorities included: developed high quality IAG; producing good market intelligence for employers, learners and providers; and supporting employers to access the funding system.  The Employability Manager explained that the CDEP has a Business, Enterprise and Skills Group which would focus on delivering the priorities and programmes which included: a pilot scheme helping teenage parents into apprenticeships; mentoring; helping those affected by Welfare Reform; a programme of support devolved from Government, “Generation North East”; and a local spin on the Youth Contract, involving 5 of the 7 North East Local Authority and being led by Newcastle City Council, with Durham County Council having local input via 2 advisors, 1 advisor for 18-24 year olds, 1 advisor for businesses.

The Chairman thanked the Employability Manager and asked Members for their questions on the report.

Councillor E Adam noted that Further Education had been the “poor relation” of the education system for many years and now it appeared as a core area.  Councillor E Adam added that there was clearly a shortage of funding for learners and there could be difficulty in employers effectively managing such funding given capacity and resource issues.  Councillor E Adam concluded by noting that many young people were struggling, with many not having 5 A-C grade GCSEs, and required help in developing the soft skills, as noted in the presentation and therefore asked whether there was too much focus on the higher level apprenticeships.  The Employability Manager explained that there were some local initiatives that looked to develop young people’s skills including: Generation North East, part-time working for young mothers; seasonal work; and mentoring.  It was added that it was important that young people were directed to the right area for them to progress, including options such as volunteering or become self-employed.

Councillor J Clare noted that there were a large number of providers of training and initiatives for young people and felt that there were “too many players”.  Councillor J Clare continued by adding that there should be more focus on a coordinated approach that looked at the needs within the county, at a sub-county level, and also the needs of individuals to ensure people were being signposted in a direction appropriate for them.  Councillor P Stradling added that he too felt there was a need to ensure that those needing help in developing basic skills were given the help they need to move forward, as well as offering higher level apprenticeships. 

Resolved:

That the presentation and report be noted.