Adequate Skills provision so our region can compete successfully
Local areas have specific Skills needs where a centralised, uniform approach cannot optimise local potential.
of businesses, 41% of councillors and 39% of the public see increasing flexible and part-time learning provision as a top priority.
(Savanta-ComRes survey for SEEC of 275 businesses, 345 members of the public and 345 councillors, September 2020)
of councillors, 45% of businesses and 34% of
the public want their local council to have responsibility for Apprenticeships
(Savanta-ComRes survey for SEEC of 275 businesses, 345 members of the public and 345 councillors, September 2020)
Empowering local councils to collaborate with independent providers to design and deliver training tailored to local economies can work.
To ensure our region can compete successfully SEC believes that:
- Aspects of the Apprenticeship Levy system should be examined to see what may be better managed and supported at the local or regional level including non-levy allocation and unspent funds destination.
- The Apprenticeship Levy funds expiry date should be extended to provide a broader training access window.
- The Apprenticeship levy should be used to pay part of an Apprentice’s salary to encourage many more applicants.
- An annual audit of recently retired/older workers skills and experience should be conducted to help meet gaps for key posts in the labour market.
