Issue - items at meetings - City Employment and Skills Plan 2016-2020, Progress Report

Joint report of the Executive Director of Children’s Services and the Acting Executive Director for Environment, Development & Housing (copy attached) together with an extract from the proceedings of the Children, Young People & Skills Committee meeting held on 7 March 2016 (to follow).

48.1    The Committee considered a joint report of the Executive Director for Children’s Services and the Acting Executive Director for Environment, Development & Housing. Cheryl Finella, Economic Development Programme Manager, introduced the report and stated that it was an update report to inform the Committee on the development of the new City Employment & Skills Plan (2016-2020) and to inform the Committee of the outcomes from the consultations, the emerging priorities and recommendations for action.

48.2    The Economic Development Programme Manager highlighted in her introduction that the apprenticeship levels within Brighton & Hove were low, with a low level of completion. It was stated that an Apprenticeship Levy was to be introduced in April 2017, resulting in large employers being taxed that would receive the money back if they were to employ a new apprentice.

48.3    It was explained to the Committee that two consultations had taken place which were both well attended. The Economic Development Programme Manager stated that three main themes emerged from them these being: no one left behind, to ensure everyone is benefitting from growth; learn to earn, to give affective career advise and support those making career transitions from learning to earning; benefitting from growth, key growth sectors could access employees with the right technical skills, aptitude and readiness for work.

48.4    In response to Councillor Yates, the Officer clarified that business support was currently being given further consideration. It was added that Brighton & Hove City Council were beginning to work collaboratively with West Sussex County Council and East Sussex County Council, as they were facing similar challenges.

48.5    It was explained to Councillor Druitt that groups of young people and apprentices had been involved in the consultation and that the City Employment & Skills Plan would involve different focus groups.

48.6RESOLVED:

1)        That the Committee agreed to note the emerging priorities and recommendations for action to be taken forward for the new City Employment & Skills Plan (2016- 2020).

2)        That the Committee agreed to note the development of an options appraisal model for delivery new vehicle to deliver apprenticeships in the city and the Greater Brighton City Region.

3)        That the Committee agreed to note the report.