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Agenda item
11:00 Young People Employment and Skills Update
ESCC – Young people’s provision update
Colin Edgely
(To include Youth Investment Fund update - Sidney Ewing, Hastings Commons)
11.20
CXK – Connected futures programme update
Sarah Mills / Michael Ratcliffe
11.50
Colleges - New activities and Future Ambitions from Sept 23 and update on Town’s Fund
East Sussex College - Rebecca Conroy
Plumpton - Jon Searle
Minutes:
Jeremy Kerswell from Plumpton College updated that the college offer courses in areas that are nationally recognised as a skills shortage with a 100% employment rate for students studying these subjects. The college has discussed with Hastings Borough Council how Plumpton can have a presence in Hastings. The college will now be working 3 days a week out of the Firs. Two days will be working with adults. From September work will start with Schools to offer a 14 to 16 program. This is about providing an opportunity to the people of Hastings that wouldn't otherwise have it. Keen to play a more strategic role in the Garden Town project and with the Grounds Maintenance service. Shar updated that the class room has been passed as net zero with the keys available next week.
Rebecca Conroy updated that East Sussex College has been an early adopter of T levels. The college is also looking to continue its growth in A levels within Hastings. Next year a pre-apprenticeship program will begin that can really support aspirations but ensure that they are upskilling and can give the best possible chance to get in to work. Adult education has been pulled back from non local sub-contractors to now be meeting need and providing those pathways for adults in terms of Reskilling, upskilling and retraining. Community learning has helped provide wellbeing and confidence building. A Choir has been launched and created a sense of belonging. Rebecca reported that the Town Deal has invested into the Ore Valley campus with the plan to create a green area of excellence where we can really focus on skills needed locally in terms of retrofit, water harvesting and solar.
The group discussed the need to keep the trained students in the area once they qualify. Victoria explained both Plumpton and the East Sussex Colleges programs in the town deal is to create new sectors and respond to the market but also looking at how we can make sure there is that circular economy.
Colin Edgely updated that in April a survey was completed across the county. Young people responded they are wanting more things to do, to be able to speak with adults they trust and having safe areas to go. Youth hubs will be created for 11 year olds to 19 year olds. Funding is being sought to provide opportunities for 8 to 11 year olds. There is potential to expand the provisions provided at the Hollington Youth Club. Key workers will be able to sign post to other services. Funding has been sourced for a community engagement worker role which will be advertised soon. Coaching opportunities will be created to then provide coaching to young people in areas like cooking, fitness and arts.
Tracey Rose updated that they have started to deliver a level 1, AQA accredited and youth work qualification as they are aware of the lack of skills in youth work.
Rachel updated a partnership program with Hastings’ Commons, Xtrax’s Young People Centre and Groundwork South East secured £8.3m funding. A youth hub will be created in the town at Eagle House with possibly other partners having desk space within the building. Sidney reported that a youth club is planned to be open in September. Young people are being asked for ideas to help with the renovation of the building. The public living room will be open for young people after 4pm. There are plans for the hub to be open six days a week and for hot meals to be available. Last year a kick start scheme was run which resulted in 3 young people being employed, this is planned to be replicated. Discussions will be had with the Hastings Youth Council. There will be a peer mentoring scheme run from the hub.
The group discussed the logistics of transporting young people home from the youth hub.
Michael Ratcliffe reported to the committee that a system change is needed. Four key themes were highlighted by young people that were spoken to. Education, careers and employment, Area Community and external challenge. The system change priorities are sufficient and robust evidence based. There is the need to be engaging the right stakeholders in the correct manner, refining research findings and a youth led approach to solutions.
The group discussed the critical role the police have and welcomed Inspector Lauren Buck to the Partnership.
It was agreed to keep a focus on the voice of young people as we develop local plans and visions.
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