Decision details

Andy Walker, Head of Service Business Growth and Lisa Moizer, Lancashire Enterprise Partnership (LEP) Skills Coordinator presented information to the Committee on the work of the Skills and Employment Board and its priorities (a copy of the presentation appended to the minutes).

Part of the Lancashire Skills and Employment Board remit was to produce a Skills and Employment Framework which identified key priorities and key indicators (see below link).

Lancashire Skills and Employment Framework 2016-2021

The Growth Deal Skills Capital was reported to have three fast tracked approved projects for Myerscough College (precision farming) £3m, Runshaw College (IT infrastructure) £204k, and Edge Hill (University Technology Hub) £3m.  A further six projects were awaiting approval.

Lisa confirmed that a Careers Enterprise Advisor Network pilot was ongoing in Blackburn with Darwen and Burnley areas to look at increasing engagement and communication between local business and the schools and colleges.  10 advisors had already signed up since January 2016.  The Committee raised concerns around career development and the lack of careers advice for young people which as a result had become a postcode lottery for job opportunities.  In addition, a previous Youth Council report highlighted concerns around the pathways to careers. It was acknowledged that the current careers advice landscape across Lancashire are fragmented.  Lisa confirmed that events had taken place for careers advice staff and increased information sharing to schools. In addition, if the pilot proved to be successful, it would then be rolled out countywide.  Andy highlighted that there was a need for a local resource for local priorities with a strong element of local control.

Lisa reported that as part of the Apprenticeship reforms with the levy due to be introduced in 2017 to create three million apprenticeships by 2020, another initiative would be to support businesses in understanding the levy. There was also a need to focus on potential implications on the small/micro businesses and to support them through the provision of information events and build relations.

The Area based Review starts in September 2016 which will look at further education colleges to ensure that the structures in those institutions meet the educational and economic needs of learner and employers, delivered for maximum value for public investment.  A working group had been established to look at this review.

A question was raised on the accountability for the LEP and how the work was scrutinised.  Andy confirmed that there were a number of checks and balances in place with a strong democratic check through the Local ESIF Partnership. In addition, the LEP was reported to have a Performance Board and scrutinised on a national level.

Ellie provided feedback from the Youth Council where it was agreed that this was a good initiative but foresaw potential problems around colleges focussing primarily on LEP priorities.  Lisa responded that colleges must follow the national curriculum and therefore would be unable focus primarily on LEP but acknowledged this concern. 

Further to this, Brian Wood, County Lead for Youth Work Strategy confirmed that part of their service was to track young people from when they leave school and contact those who have not engaged in further education.

Resolved that:

1. Officers be thanked for the report and their attendance at the meeting
2. The CEIAG Burnley/Blackburn pilot be included for further discussion at a future meeting
3. The Area Based Review be included for further discussion at a future meeting
4. The report from Youth Work Strategy to come back to a future meeting
5. Links to the LEP website and Lancashire Skills and Employment Board meeting papers to be circulated with the minutes (see below)

Lancashire Enterprise Partnership Website

LEP Lancashire Skills and Employment Board - Meeting Papers