Agenda item

To adopt the Telford & Wrekin Skills Strategy.

The Cabinet Member: Early Years, Children, Young People and Education presented the report of the Director: Education & Skills.

The report sought approval of the Telford and Wrekin Skills Strategy which sets out the Council’s approach to further developing the Borough’s skills levels to support localised economic growth and the Council’s Vision 2032.

The strategy had been developed in collaboration with key partners including skills providers, education settings and employers and sets out the Council’s vision to become a learning Borough for all. The strategy will focus on 5 main objectives:-

• Improving the overall skills levels of residents to raise working age skills at qualification levels 1, 2 and 3 to higher than the national average;
• Nurturing and supporting aspirations whatever an individual’s background or existing skill level to fulfil their talent;
• Developing progression pathways to provide a clear route for people to progress through the skills system to employment;
• Providing a skills system which is fully inclusive and representative of the Borough to ensure all residents and communities are well-served by the skills system and that engagement practices reflect communities’ needs; and
• Providing a skills system which provides the skills required by businesses, both current and future, and contributes to economic growth and the prosperity of the town.

The proposed strategy would enhance the offer provided across the Council and would build on existing programmes that support schools to further engage with employers and higher education partners, including Harper Adams, so that higher level qualifications and work based learning and apprenticeships could be further developed.

The report also highlighted the importance of having the right skills and talents to attract investors and deliver residents' aspirations. The strategy would align with the "Get Britain Working" white paper, which introduces key changes like a national jobs and careers service, a youth guarantee, and a connect-to-work programme.

Cabinet Members welcomed the report and that the strategy reaffirms the Council’s commitment to ensuring that every child, young person and adult can live within their community and benefit from a thriving economy. Members noted the importance of developing a clear pathway for young people from education to employment and providing routes whilst working with businesses to promote upskilling, apprenticeships, work experience and internships.

The Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group welcomed the report and noted the importance of upskilling young people, particularly those individuals who did not wish to pursue a degree. He highlighted the need for apprenticeships and vocational training, noting that academic routes may not be suitable for everyone.

The Leader of the Conservative Group acknowledged the Council’s ambition to focus on skills and lifelong learning for residents. He stressed the importance of ensuring young people were prepared for employment and the need for better outcomes from primary and secondary schools.

RESOLVED that:-

a)    the Telford and Wrekin Skills Strategy, A Learning Borough for All, (Appendix A) that sets out our strategic approach to further develop the borough’s skills levels to support localised economic growth be approved; and

b)   delegate authority be granted to the Director for Education & Skills, in consultation with the Cabinet member: Children, Young People, Education, Employment & skills, to amend future versions of the Skills Strategy in light of changes to national policy.