Agenda item

The minutes of the County Durham Environment Partnership Board held on 10 December 2015 were received for information.

The Chairman drew Members attention to her attendance at the Environment Partnership to present the conclusions and recommendations of the Woodlands Review and advised Members that she was concerned at the aging workforce within the woodland industry and had mentioned the importance of recruiting younger people into the woodland industry but was advised that this was difficult as they needed specific training. The Environment Partnership Board had suggested that they would discuss with the Economic Partnership Board about how they could help to encourage young people into the industry.

Councillor Armstrong advised that the Youth Employment Initiative (YEI) funding is used for apprenticeships. Houghall College works with apprenticeships in this industry and perhaps this is an area they could pursue. It was also indicated that Mr T Batson employs people in the woodland industry and takes on apprenticeships every year.

The Customer Relations Policy & Performance Manager responded that as customer services were taking on apprenticeships there was an upcoming manager meeting where she would raise this and feedback to Members at the next meeting.