Support to improve employment and skills levels for Derbyshire residents

Cabinet Members at Derbyshire County Council will be asked to approve a new Employment and Skills Strategy this week setting out a clear vision, objectives and priorities for improving the employment and skills levels of Derbyshire residents.

The strategy sets out how the council will support residents to develop the skills and qualifications they need to get a job and progress into higher-quality, higher-level roles, improving their financial resilience and long-term job prospects.

Deputy Leader of Derbyshire County Council and Cabinet Member for Business Services Councillor Stephen Reed said: “By 2030, we want Derbyshire to have a more resilient and productive employment and skills system, one that enables residents of all ages and backgrounds to access good-quality work, supports employers to thrive, and contributes to long term economic and social wellbeing across the county.

“Good employment opportunities can directly impact residents’ physical and mental health as well as improving areas of life that contribute towards their overall health and well-being, such as financial security, housing stability and social inclusion.

“Having a skilled and productive workforce also allows businesses to grow, innovate and invest, while higher levels of employment and earnings increase residents’ disposable income, supporting local spending and strengthening Derbyshire’s economy and communities.”

The strategy, which will be considered at a Cabinet meeting on Thursday (10 September), aims to:

• Increase the number of residents in employment, training or education
• Increase the number of residents with high level skills and qualifications
• Make sure residents and businesses are prepared for future employment and skills requirements
• Make sure Derbyshire has a skilled workforce that meets employers’ needs and helps them to grow
• Reduce the gap in skills and employment between different areas of the county
• Remove barriers to employment, such as access to transport and health issues.

Funding for adult education in Derbyshire is now controlled by the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) and the new Employment and Skills Strategy will help to direct this funding where it is most needed through projects and programmes that will deliver the greatest benefit for Derbyshire’s residents, businesses and communities.