New partnership approach to boost adult skills and job opportunities

Stoke-on-Trent City Council has approved a new plan to help more adults gain the skills they need to find and stay in work.

The new Adult Skills and Employment Framework was considered by the council’s cabinet at a meeting on Tuesday 24 June.

The plan aims to raise skill levels across the city and support more residents into better jobs by working closely with partners in education, training and employment.

It will help make sure more people can take advantage of local job opportunities and contribute to a growing city economy. It also supports the council’s wider aim to improve residents’ health, wellbeing and quality of life.

Alongside consulting a broad range of organisations, the council has worked with partners including the Chamber of Commerce, Staffordshire Providers Group and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to shape the framework. This joint approach ensures the plan reflects local needs and builds on what is already in place.

A new Local Skills and Employment Partnership will also be set up to lead the work, helping partners to stay joined-up and focused on long-term improvements.

Councillor Sarah Jane Colclough, cabinet member for children’s services at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “There is so much untapped potential in our city and by creating more opportunities for residents to enhance and improve their skills, we will help more people thrive in the workplace and social life.

 "Supporting people to gain the knowledge and experience they need to secure good jobs will not only improve their quality of life, but also help them build a more secure future. Working with partners across different sectors and types of institutions is crucial to this, as it will mean everyone can make the most of the opportunities available to them in Stoke-on-Trent.

“Together, we will ensure the building of a bigger and better economy, as well as improving the overall wellbeing of the population.”

For more information on the city council’s post-16 employment and learning hub go to www.stoke.gov.uk/adultlearning