Issue - meetings

To consider a report of the Director of Education, Works and Skills.

The report provides the final draft of the Work and Skills Plan which is key to securing a more sustainable, inclusive and diverse economy that benefits everyone. Working in partnership across the Borough we will support accessible, fair and good opportunities for residents to learn the skills they need to achieve their ambitions, and to get into good work, while ensuring that business and other organisations have access to the talent that they need to be successful and grow.

The Scrutiny Committee is asked to comment on and endorse the report for submission to Cabinet.

Officer contact: Chris Harland on 0161 521 1707 or by email at christopher.harland@stockport.gov.uk

The Director of Education, Works and Skills submitted a report (copies of which had been circulated) providing the final draft of the Work and Skills Plan which was key to securing a more sustainable, inclusive and diverse economy that benefits everyone.

The Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education (Councillor Wendy Meikle) attended the meeting to respond to questions from the Scrutiny Committee.

The following comments were made/issues raised:-

·       Members requested that ‘careers advice’ be featured a bit more prominently in the final draft of the report.

·       Further details were requested relating to the links between industry and higher education and the workplace. In response, it was stated businesses and colleges working together and the colleges providing the right courses for the business need. It was also noted that the plan was written following consultation with businesses, local schools and the schools improvement plan.

·       Partnership work with the Fire Service and the Princess Trust was encouraged as it supports the young people to be trained and to prepare them for the workplace, including interview techniques and career advice.

·       It was commented that preparing young people for work was not just about education and skills, it is to do with confidence and preparing young people for the working environment e.g. transport to and from work and purchasing of uniform which can be a challenge for most young people.

·       Reference to transport links and supporting young people with transport should also be included in the plan e.g. so many young people are looking at jobs at Manchester Airport and Trafford Centre, but there is a challenge for young people to get to those organisations as there are not any good transport links.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted and endorsed for submission to Cabinet.