Skills in Spotlight at Cabinet

South Tyneside Council's Cabinet will be asked to approve a series of recommendations to ensure local people are equipped with the necessary skills to compete for jobs.

Cabinet will receive an interim update on an in-depth study being carried out by the Education and Skills Panel to map out the services on offer to residents which allow them to capitalise on employment opportunities.

The commission was set up in 2019 to establish the support available from the council and its partners; identify any gaps in provision and identify any examples of good practice, nationally and internationally.

A report on the findings so far has already been taken to Place Select Committee, which commissioned the study, and next week Cabinet will be updated and asked to agree the recommendations.

Cllr Adam Ellison, Chair of the Education and Skills Panel, said: "While there is more work to be done on the commission, members have already learned a great deal about the existing level of support and resources available to residents from school age onwards.

"The commission has made a number of recommendations aimed at improving and enhancing current provision so that our residents have the best education, training and skills needed to able to benefit from opportunities being created in the regional economy."

The recommendations include each school being required to appoint a governor responsible for ensuring adequate careers support is provided, and a marketing campaign to boost aspirations among residents, particularly younger people.

Cllr Tracey Dixon, Leader of South Tyneside Council, said: "Ensuring people are equipped to compete for jobs locally and regionally will lead to higher employment and increased prosperity in the Borough and it is a clear priority for the council.

"It is vital that our future workforce has the skills and knowledge to maintain its competitive edge and unlock the full potential of economic opportunities like the International Advanced Manufacturing Park."