Agenda item

The Panel considered a report to update on the progress of delivery of LEP-led employment and skills programmes in the Leeds City Region and how they have been adapted to support COVID-19.  The Panel was asked to note and to comment on the progress of delivery.

The information in the report contained an update on Apprenticeships and Employment, Apprenticeship Levy Transfer Service, Schools Partnerships, Enterprise Advisor Network, Bradford Opportunity Area, Raising Aspirations, The Kirklees Careers Hub, The Special Educational Needs and Disability Careers Hub, Careers, Digital Bootcamp Pilot, Parental engagement resources, Delivery Agreement, Skills for Business / Skills for Growth Programmes

In addition to the report the Panel was provided with a verbal update:

Employment Hub which was repurposed when COVID-19 hit - there is a need to seek additional resource, as the service is working at full capacity.  The service supports those further from the labour market struggling to move into alternative options and those seeking employment, changing careers and at risk of unemployment.  Unemployment is expected to increase which will put additional pressure on the service which is reflected in the Economic Recovery Plan.  A paper will be submitted to the Combined Authority to include a proposal build on the current programme to develop short non-accredited courses which will enable people to consider new employment sectors and utilise transferable skills.

Levy Transfer Service - in the next few weeks, an announcement on major commitments and pledges to the levy transfer service will be made.  The recent Chancellor’s announcement included an incentive for apprenticeships and traineeships which have been extended to February 2021.  It is hoped that businesses may be considering offering apprenticeships/traineeships work for summer 2021 start, and the levy transfer, which will fund 100% of the apprenticeship training and will work alongside any national incentives.

School Partnerships are now settling into alternative virtual delivery of the main programme and Schools appreciate online tools and engaging with EC/EA. Schools feel that the creation of virtual work experience opportunities is a good way of teaching with a break from the usual methods of delivery in the current climate.

It is hoped that there will be announcements soon on award of applications to the Digital Bootcamp programme.  Included in the Chancellor’s statement was announcements of further bootcamps from Spring 2021.  The Prime Ministers summer announcements looked at targeted sectors, so this next one may be construction.

Unemployment Support – There has been a lot of national announcements about support via DWP including more work coaches and a national Restart programme that will be commissioned in the new year.  We are working with DWP to ensure services are complimentary.

Resolved:

(i)             That the contents of the report be noted.

(ii)            That the comments of the Panel on progress of delivery of employment and skills programmes in the Leeds City Region be noted.

(iii)          That an update be provided to the panel at the February 2021 meeting on progress of the proposal to the Combined Authority seeking funding to support skills and unemployment priorities within the economic Recovery Plan.

(iv)          That an update on discussions with Headteachers Group re support and activities around opportunities for developing softer/work ready skills activity be brought to the next Employment and Skills Panel meeting in February 2021.