Chapter 5: Skills action plan
We are also seeking to build on the strengths outlined in chapter three and our skills plan outlines the actions we will take to do so. This section focuses on the planned actions to deliver on the skills needs set out in chapter three and the priority areas outlined in chapter four.
Skills Action Plan
Activity
- Develop a regional youth entitlement
- Further engagement with business, particularly SMEs, to increase apprenticeship take up.
- Develop the NEET intervention partnership working and data approach to enable early identification and better tracking of every young person
Organisation bodies
- WMCA
- LAs
- DfE
- Youth Employment UK
- Colleges
WMCA/SAP responsibilities
- Lead strategic conversations with partners to garner support
Timeline
- 2022/23
Activity
- Increase the amount of higher level technical provision, through investment in Level 3+ through AEB and NSF
- Expand our level 4/5 technical offer through HTQs and FE/HE collaboration
- Work with universities to develop practice that increases graduate retention
Organisations/bodies
- WMCA
- FE colleges
- Universities
- LAs
WMCA/SAP responsibilities
- Oversight of AEB strategy and investment
Timeline
- 2022/23
Activity
- Ensure a good basic skills offer, with clear progression routes, is in place to include ESOL, Digital Entitlement, English and Maths, but also a clear vocational offer linked to sector skills needs at level 2
- Increase progression from community Learning to wider skills provision
- Develop proposals for UKSPF to engage those with no qualifications
Organisations/bodies
- WMCA
- LAs
- Colleges
WMCA/SAP responsibilities
- Commission provision in all areas with clear targeting
Timeline
- 2021/23
Activity
- Ensure AEB provision is supporting residents into sustainable employment, through SWAPS, Sector Gateways, bootcamps and other employer linked programmes and associated employment targets
Organisations/bodies
- WMCA
- LAs
- Colleges
- DWP
WMCA/SAP responsibilities
-
Timeline
- 2021/23
Activity
- Develop more flexible and innovative approach to provision for those in employment
- Work with the DWP to develop proposals for in work support for those on UC - including skills and mentoring
Organisations/bodies
- WMCA
- DWP
- Colleges
WMCA/SAP responsibilities
-
Timeline
- 2021/23
Activity
- Work with private and public sector partners to maximise the value from new and existing investments eg. through securing job commitments from businesses for local residents
Organisations/bodies
- Industry bodies
- Businesses
- LEPs and LAs
WMCA/SAP responsibilities
- Deliver programme with oversight from the Economic Growth Board
Timeline
- 2021/23