Agenda item

The Board considered a report of the Strategic Director, Environment and Economy which gave Members an update on the implementation of Construction Halton. The report also shared the recruitment and training workflow model highlighting the Council Departments and partner organisations that would be involved when undertaking procurement exercises and negotiating planning agreements, focussed on achieving Construction Halton job and training outcomes.

The instructions for the Skills Forecasting Tool, Work Types and Labour definitions were circulated at the meeting for Members information.

The following comments arose from the discussion:-

·        Clarity was sought on what evidence was available to demonstrate that it had been success in the North East.  In response, it was reported that it had not been an expensive tool to purchase and the North East had been successfully using it for over a year;

·        It was noted that the Construction Halton tool would be used for Section 106 Agreements;

·        It was recognised that a lot of developers used sub contractors who would not necessarily wish to train local people.  In addition, housing developers building a small number of houses would not be in a position to provide training opportunities.  In response, it was reported that there would clauses included in the contract which included sub contractors and it was expected that training opportunities or full time jobs would be created i.e. the 3MG and Mersey Gateway projects.  The Council were also working closely with Halton Housing Trust to look at including clauses at the planning stage of a development;

·        It was noted that due to the cuts as a result of the Comprehensive Spending Review, the Authority were not in a position to provide a shared apprenticeship scheme;

·        It was suggested that the Authority liaise with the Industry Training Boards and signpost companies to this Board;

·        The importance of quality training and having local people trained with appropriate trades as employment opportunities became available was noted.  It was also noted that because of the economic downturn numerous skilled people had been made redundant and would be available immediately to take up employment opportunities as they arise;

·        Clarity was sought on the outcomes of the North East Using the skills forecasting tool – how many people had obtained a job and in what trade and how many people had undertaken training.  In response, it was reported that this information would be presented to a future meeting of the Board;

·        It was noted that the Council were working closely with Riverside College to take advantage of any employment / training opportunities.  It was reported young people wanting to be an electrician had to go to Warrington to access training as it was not available at Riverside College. It was highlighted that Industry Training Boards could manage this process to ensure that young people in the Borough were being steered in the right direction;

·        It was noted that the skills forecasting tool would be beneficial to the Borough and had already proved useful in the Venture Fields Development; and

·        It was reported that a report would be presented to the Board as the process was developed.

RESOLVED: That

(1)               the presentation be received;

(2)               Siobhan Saunders be thanked for her informative presentation;

(3)               the report and comments raised be noted.