LEARNING TOGETHER Ruth Spellman OBE Chief Executive & General Secretary

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1 LEARNING TOGETHER Ruth Spellman OBE Chief Executive & General Secretary

2 Profile 73% of WEA students are women 30% identify as BAMER 21% are non-native English language speakers 37% of WEA students are aged 65 plus 22.5% have no qualifications 45% claiming means-tested benefits

3 Social Mobility Commission Employment rates are the highest on record and extreme low pay has been eliminated, but 1 in 5 people in the UK are stuck on low pay - a higher proportion than other comparable nations Wages have stagnated in real terms with living standards falling - particularly for young people Regional inequalities have risen with London and the south moving ahead while other parts of the country fall behind - output per person in London is 43,629 compared to less than 19,000 in the North East The highest-paid and best-paid jobs remain deeply elitist, while some progress is being made - it is painfully slow Social Mobilty Commission, Time for Change report 2017

4 ESF Community Grant programme The aim is to enhance the capacity within the Liverpool City Region s Voluntary and Community Sector (VCSE) Aim of moving participants closer to employment The WEA has distributed 48 small grants worth 1m to eligible organisations between September 2016 and June 2017

5 Beneficiaries Funded activities target those aged 15 and over, from the hardest to reach communities, including an emphasis on supporting: People with disabilities & long-term health conditions Women People from ethnic minorities People over 50

6 Number of Projects Round 1 allocated grants to 24 projects. Round 2 allocated grants to a 15 projects Round 3 allocated funding to 9 projects

7 Type of Support The projects offer a range of support including: accredited and vocational training, job search assistance, help with soft skills, confidence building and support in obtaining a job or work experience.

8 Projects include. A filmmaking and new media project for unemployed people in recovery with complex issues. They will learn industry standard techniques in a safe, supported and creative environment. Building the self-esteem and confidence of lone parents/young women to raise their aspirations to become economically active

9 Projects include.. To support unemployed and disadvantaged adults to train as Teaching Assistants, gain vocational qualifications, and complete onthe-job training via work placements To support the integration of vulnerable refugees to break down barriers which will enhance their ability to access and participate in mainstream employment

10 The difference support makes. Julie s personal circumstances changed dramatically when she became unemployed. After 14 months she decided she needed to get her life back on track and went to Jobcentre Plus where she met a representative from 3tc (a local charity). Julie said that 3tc raised my self-esteem and aspirations, without the support I have been given I would probably still be unemployed.

11 Pathways Emphasises flexibility and the student in the driving seat Highlighting possible options for learners beyond initial taster course Working with partners such as Job Centres and Housing Associations Tailored to local needs and capacity

12 Into Work Our Into Work pathway, for example 1. Taster course - Get ready for work. Identify skills, qualities and attitudes needed for learning and work 2. Development course - Interview skills Job search, applications, complete application forms, write a CV and perform well at interview 3. Move on to a Level 2 or 3 course which is directly vocational such as Community Interpreting

13 LBG & WEA partnership Between 2014 and successful completion of Learn to Succeed programme 450 Lloyds Banking Group volunteers supported 2020 WEA students offering digital, language and employability skills.

14 Added Value

15 Positive Perspectives The Lloyds Banking Group volunteer perspective: I certainly felt the students benefited from my workplace experience and that s an amazing feeling It has been a humbling experience working with the students The student perspective: The volunteers were so enthusiastic and shared so many tips and stories that were relevant. I came out of my shell I m more confident, knowing what my future plans are

16 Building on Success In 2017, a new Vulnerable Adults work stream was introduced in addition to continued employability programme. Over 70 senior Lloyds colleagues trained to mentor vulnerable WEA students to improve their confidence to learn. Regional Co-ordinators in post in Bristol, Edinburgh, Leeds, London and Newport establishing new student pipelines. Successful work placement pilot completed with Lloyds Banking Group and cohort of Syrian refugee students in Edinburgh.

17 Skills For Work Confidence in career progression 49% Able to do job better 41% More secure in their job 22% Got a new job 12% Promotion 6% Pay rise 5% Self-employed 1%

18 Developing Skills Learning 76% Communication 68% Research 62% Critical Thinking 60% Creative 60% Teamwork 54% Organisational 47%

19 Adult learning why it matters Ageing society Economically active for longer More frequent transitions and pace of change Inequality and social mobility High quality provision but low profile

20 Building Confidence I m future proofing. Who knows what will happen to me WEA Student quoted in Impact Survey 2016