Agenda item

Joint report of the Strategic Director, Communities & Environment and the Strategic  Director, Care Wellbeing & Learning

The Committee received a report setting out progress made against recommendations to Cabinet by the OSC following a review of work to address skills shortages and increase employment opportunities.

It was highlighted from the report the scope of the review requested by the OSC was to examine the existing approach to tackle skills shortages and maximising the take up of local employment opportunities by appropriately skills individuals from the resident workforce. It was noted that the review aims, and objectives all fell in line with Gateshead Councils Thrive agenda.

From the report it was advised that in June 2019 the Council launched Work Inspiration Gateshead, a new programme aimed at inspiriting young people to broaden their horizons and be ambitions. It was further stated that in partnership with Gateshead College and the North East Business and Innovation Centre, the 18-month initiative will deliver a series of sector insight and inspiration events. It was also noted that local businesses involved in the programme will give 11-16 year olds an insight into industries and careers that may not have existed in the North East. The Committee were also provided with an overview of events that have taken place.

The Committee were advised that further sector insight events are being planned for Autumn 2019. It was further noted that the Council has continued to coordinate a Gateshead Careers, Education Information, Advice and Guidance Network involving all Gateshead Secondary Schools, SEND schools, Gateshead College and the Pupil Referral Unit.

From the report, it was highlighted that digital skills will be increasingly important for work. It was noted that only 35% of North East residents are considered to have ‘digital skills for work’. It was advised that the Council has secured the commitment of 23 primary schools from across the borough to establish a new Code Club as part of a programme to ensure that all children has access to coding opportunities to address the digital skills gap in the region.

An overview of schemes to improve access to work and in work progression was provided which included the launch of Gateshead Council’s ‘Gateshead Works’. The Committee were also advised that the Council has secured European Social Fund in May 2019 for a new £398,000 programme to help secure 260 of the most disadvantaged employed and economically inactive residents in the borough. It was further noted from the report that a funding extension has also been secured to continue the Building Better Opportunities ‘Wise Steps’ project to engage and support a further 200 residents.

The report highlighted that Universal Credit has had a significant impact on the welfare system. It was noted that the Council is helping residents to navigate and utilise Universal Credit to ensure they are not disadvantaged when accessing work.

It was asked what influence services have over bus routes; it was noted that the Council are in regular contact with Go Ahead Northern regarding connectivity across Gateshead. It was also noted that a bid has been made to the Transforming Cities fund in addition to work being done to address climate change issues in the region.

An additional question was asked regarding which wards the residents who have been supported were from; it was advised this information would be pulled together and circulated following the meeting.

A discussion took place regarding the resourcing of the various programmes; particularly staffing. It was highlighted that learningSkills currently employ 75 full time delivery staff in addition to 80 sessional tutors. Further discussions took place on the use of the Governments apprenticeship levy and the competitive process of bidding for funds. A comment was also made on the uncertainty around the availability of ESF funding post-Brexit.

RESOLVED:

(i)            The Committee noted the contents of the report.