Issue - meetings

Report of the Director of Planning and Property attached.

Decision made:

1.    That Cabinet notes the updated project plans contained within the report, which have an additional focus on assisting harder to reach people.

2.    That Cabinet requests the use of the acronym NEET (not in Employment, Education or Training) is removed from any future documentation.

The Cabinet Member for Planning, Regeneration and City Deal, Councillor Bill Evans presented a report of the Director of Planning and Property that provided Members with background information, an updated position and future proposals for the Apprentice Factory project and how this assists with  implementation of Employment and Skills Plans coming forward through the planning process.

Members were also provided with a copy of the development programme, which sets out how Apprentice Factory supports economic growth and skills development within the Council and across the Borough.

Councillor Bill Evans congratulated the work of the team, as the authority are the highest performing Council in Lancashire.

It was also important to acknowledge that phase two of the project was around targeting those hard to reach people as there is currently a gap in this provision.

Assurances were also provided that all apprentices gain professional qualifications through the process and that the Council works hard with a number of outside organisations to ensure that a job is available upon completion of the programme.

Decision made (Unanimously):

1.    That Cabinet notes the updated project plans contained within the report, which have an additional focus on assisting harder to reach people.

2.    That Cabinet requests the use of the acronym NEET (not in Employment, Education or Training) is removed from any future documentation.

Reason(s) for the decision:

1.     The Apprentice Factory project is included within the Corporate Plan 2018-23. The Cabinet are asked to note the updated project plans, which have an additional focus on harder to reach people, and for views on any additional actions to ensure that the Apprentice Factory project is aligned with the new Corporate Plan.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

1.     The option to do nothing was considered. However when the existing skills provision and availability of careers advice was mapped, it became obvious that there are gaps in support for local people which needed to be addressed.