Issue - meetings

Members received a report from the Strategic Director – Enterprise, Community and Resources, on employment, learning and skills activities in the Liverpool City Region (LCR).

It was reported that the Council contributed to a number of initiatives and actions that were taking place in the LCR as follows:

·       Local Industrial Strategy for the LCR;

·       Apprenticeships Hub;

·       LCR Apprentice Graduation Ceremony;

·       School Careers Hub;

·       Devolution of the Adult Education Budget (AEB);

·       Skills for Growth Action Plans and Careers Materials; and

·       National Apprenticeship Week

Further to Members queries the following comments were made:

·       The Adult Education Budget (AEB) would receive an additional £150k funding for Test and Learn pilots;

·       The Halton Tomorrow Strategy would link in with the LCR Local Industrial Strategy;

·       The apprenticeship levy was discussed and the potential for its misuse by employers; Officers advised that they promoted quality and progression for those on apprenticeships;

·       The LCR Apprentice and Employer Ambassador Network had been launched and to date four of Halton’s employers had signed up to be Ambassadors; it was hoped that the list would increase in numbers; and

·       The Open Your Door Theatre Company had delivered a short play to local secondary schools around apprenticeships.

RESOLVED: That Members note the progress being made to deliver employment, learning and skills activities across the Liverpool City Region and recognises the role Halton Council and its partners play in supporting these activities.