Agenda item

The Board gave consideration to a report which provided an update on the progress related to the key components of the Work and Skills Strategy as requested by the Board on 11 July 2018.

The Work and Skills Strategy (2016 – 2020) sought to improve population skills outcomes which supported Oldham’s strategic goals.  It was intended to inform and raise awareness across the Oldham Partnership of the complexity of, and multiple challenges which faced the employment and skills systems and to position the Oldham economy in the context of emerging strategies for employments and skills across Greater Manchester (GM).

The Work and Skills Strategy was organised around four strategic goals supported by a new outcomes framework for work and skills.  The goals were:

1.     Create Jobs: which included targets for Phase 2 of Get Oldham Working;

2.     Social regeneration and in-work progression, which include the new pilot Career Advancement Service;

3.     Deliver the OESC and Improve the Colleges which included a commitment to support the sustainability of the post-Area Based Review settlement for Oldham; and

4.     Support a Thriving Private Sector, which included better representation on the six priority employment sectors in the partnership framework.

The strategy had been written to complement the new regeneration framework for Oldham by focussing particularly on ‘social regeneration’ objectives and developing share ownership of these across all partners and providers.  It acted as one of the three major components of the Oldham Strategic Investment Framework (SIF) for economic regeneration and positioned Oldham in the context of GM Devolution of employment and skills.

The following was highlighted:

·       The successful attraction of £2.3m of European Social Fund monies (to present) for the delivery of Skills Support For Employment, RAISE and National Careers service programmes, which enabled a full programme of employment and skills support to be delivered by Get Oldham Working.

·       Agreement with GM Combined Authority to maintain the £2.83m commitment to Oldham Lifelong Learning service for the delivery of Adult Education Budget related activity.

Members were also advised of the funding risks.

Members were informed of improvements in performance, work with the LGA Selected Programme and work alongside colleges and other providers for sectoral pathways.  Some of the key factors were Health & Social Care; Construction; Business Growth & Professional Services; and Manufacturing.  Members were informed that the Get Oldham Working targets had been reached 9 months early with 3,642 people in employment.  The programme was supported by European funding which was secure for the foreseeable future. There were 32 staff on the programme and support received from the Learning and Development Network. 

Members were informed that the Career Advancement Service was unique as it worked with people already in employment and as a consequence, increased attainment levels had had a £2.4m impact on the local economy.  Members were informed of promotion of the programme through GMCA, success in reprofiling work and work towards economic inclusion. 

Members queried the increase in the no education qualification, what was being done about long-term unemployment and work in terms of apprenticeships especially with the airport.  Members were informed of work with the private sector and other agencies.  Funding had been secured to work with businesses who had not previously taken on apprentices but those companies would need to pay the Living Wage.  Detailed information would be circulated separately.

Members queried the low take up under the advanced learning strategy. Members were advised of the issue of indebtedness and only 6 people had been able to get a loan.  Members were informed about access to the apprenticeship levy programme, alternative pathways and the national retraining scheme.  The relocation of Shop Direct was given as an example and work ongoing related to redundancy and retaining.

Member asked about the performance data related to no qualifications.  Members were informed that the actual number would not be known until after the completion of the annual population survey when the trend analysis would be undertaken.  There had been a slight improvement with an increase in NVQ4.  Members were informed of the impact of people who had moved into Oldham on a short-term basis without any or low-level skills.

Members sought an update on the Area Based Review and were informed that the review had not been productive.  Practicalities with regard to Oldham residents were considered.  The college was now rated Good and in a strong position to stand alone and was sharing good practice.

Members asked what was being done to keep young people in Oldham, skills needed and creation of jobs.  Members were informed that it was recognised that some students would not perform well academically, and options would need to be addressed.  There was still the vocational route available.  Progress was being made on changes with an emphasis on technical vocations.  In terms of career management, support for businesses on workforce development was being investigated. 

Members queried the Working Well Early Help and the investment for Oldham.  Members were informed that 11% of referrals was in line with what had been expected.  Scrutiny at GM level could address fairness.

Members referenced previous criticism from local businesses in that courses had not matched requirements and if there had been any progress.  Members were informed that there was employers’ involvement in putting the courses together, link to employers and placements and a GM bridge which created a direct link with young people and employers.  The readiness issue of primary pupils moving to secondary school and onward issues regarding students being workforce ready was part of the process.

Members sought and received confirmation that OESC activity would be reported separately.

This strategy would conclude in March 2020. Over the next six months a new strategy would be developed.  This would include at post 14 to address expectations from employers and work with schools and colleges. 

RESOLVED that an update on the Oldham Work And Skills Strategy be received in 12 months.