Yesterday the Economic Inactivity Panel members met up with representatives from Swansea University, Gower College Swansea, Careers West Wales and Info-nation. The Panel were keen to find out what what work is currently being carried out to help improve the situation in respect of economic inactivity in Swansea.
It was interesting to learn about initiatives such as the Steps to Employment progammes, which are run through Gower College Swansea and are aimed at adult learners aged 18 or over looking to return to work after a period of unemployment and who are in receipt of DWP allowances.
This programme focuses on two elements: Work Focused Learning – which aims to address any learning barriers that may be preventing someone from committing to full time work, training or education and Routeways to Work – which is an employer led and is a short, occupationally focused, bespoke training programme and is tailored to individual/groups of employers who are looking to recruit individuals. These programmes guarantee a job interview upon successful completion.
The benefits identified are:
- Increased motivation and confidence;
- Experience gained in the occupation of choice;
- Qualifications gained at Level 1 or 2;
- Development of skills (communication, application of number, ICT, working with others, improving own learning and problem solving);
- Training premium;
- Childcare support for lone parents;
- An enhanced chance of employability; and
- Travel subsidiary.
Panel members also heard about the work being carried out by the KIT (Keeping In Touch) Strategy, which is run through Careers West Wales. Their main focus is on engagement with young people who are considered to be ‘NEETS’ (not in education, employment or training) and are aged between 18 and 25. However, a new strategy is coming into place soon, which involves ‘tracking’ young people who are identified as being at risk of becoming NEET in the future, from year 10 age in school. The intention is to provide these young people with as much support and guidance as they will need to help them to become valuable members of the community in the future.
There is clearly a lot of work being carried out by all of the agencies represented, yet it was also noteable that a lot more work still needs to be done.
Next week the Panel will be visiting the Phoenix Centre in Townhill and the Canoldre Centre in Gorseinon, to look at what these centres are doing to help improve economic inactivity.
If you are intested in contributing to this Panel in any way, or would like more information, please contact us at Scrutiny@swansea.gov.uk. or phone 01792 636393.
Leave a Comment