Salford skills and work programme

A plan for a newly funded £1.5 million Salford Skills and Work programme has been approved.

The aim of the new programme is to support individuals and communities over a lifetime of continued learning to take advantage of opportunities and reduce inequalities.

The outcomes focus on improving skills of the residents in Salford, increasing and improving the quality of local jobs and improving education to help and support academically vulnerable and low skilled adults.

The report that was approved today focuses on three main outcomes to align with the council’s vision to make Salford a learning city.

The agreement comes following the approval of the report today in a Cabinet meeting, with the new programme to be launched on Monday 13 December.

City Mayor Paul Dennett said: “The time is right to restate the city’s commitment to education, work and skills. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Brexit, climate change and other issues have put pressure on public sector finances, resources and technological innovation. This has negatively impacted on the education and skills opportunities for people in Salford.

“Employment and growth sectors in Salford continue to develop and change. It is imperative we respond quickly to reshape our skills and work commitments, priorities, and resources to respond to those opportunities and challenges. This is all about creating a better and fairer Salford for all.

“Investment in skills and work for Salford residents will be part of the council’s preventative approach – as good quality and sustainable work is a core determinant of longer, healthier working lives, and in turn reduces demand over the long term for high cost acute and specialist public services.

“The city’s unemployment rate has fluctuated, from 4.8% to a low of 2.6% in 2015. During the pandemic climbed again to a high of 7.3% in July 2021. Over this time period Salford’s rate has been consistently higher than both the Greater Manchester and England average. We will work with closely with partners and employers on solutions as part of an integrated labour market service approach focused on matching skills supply to demand from employers.”

The Salford Skills and Work programme will work with younger people to provide them with opportunities as well as connecting adults to employment and training opportunities.

Furthermore the scheme will aim to support businesses to create sustainable opportunities for the people of Salford.

The report that was approved today focusses on three main outcomes to align with the council’s vision to make Salford a learning city.

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