FALKIRK YOUTH EMPLOYMENT ACTIVITY PLAN Quarter 1 2017/18 Introduction The Falkirk Youth Employment Activity Plan is based on local partnership delivery arrangements, including key contacts for local provision and details on referral routes for 16+ opportunities. This Activity Plan is therefore a working document for use by partners and it is not a strategy. In times of recession youth unemployment tends to rise quickly and takes time to return to previous rates. The downturn following the global credit crunch of 2008 has been no exception. The impact on young people s employment prospects since 2008 have been acute across Scotland with young people having found it increasingly harder to move into sustained employment. The picture for Youth Unemployment levels in the Falkirk area are slightly more positive and there has been a consistent reduction from a peak in August 2011 (see Figures 1 and 2 below). 16/17 year olds in particular have seen a better improvement in the number unemployed and seeking, as a result of the focus on delivering opportunities for all over the period, and whilst work continues on supporting and progressing this cohort, the broader 16-24 age group is now a key priority for the Falkirk partnership. Figure 1
Jun-08 Oct-08 Feb-09 Jun-09 Oct-09 Feb-10 Jun-10 Oct-10 Feb-11 Jun-11 Oct-11 Feb-12 Jun-12 Oct-12 Feb-13 Jun-13 Oct-13 Feb-14 Jun-14 Oct-14 Feb-15 30.0% Total NEET Who Are Seeking Work % 25.0% 20.0% 15.0% Total NEET Who Are Seeking Work % 10.0% 5.0% 0.0% 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 Figure 2 JSA Claimant Trend since 2008 12 10 8 6 4 Total 18-24 25-49 50+ 2 0 Figure 3
Share of Unemployment (JSA) April 2015 18 24 Years Olds 25 49 Year Olds 50+ Opportunities for All Addressing youth unemployment is a key priority of the Scottish Government key and this was demonstrated in December 2011 with the appointment of Angela Constance, then Minister for Youth Employment. This was the first appointment of its kind in the UK. Ms Constance launched Opportunities for All in April 2012 which is an explicit commitment to young people in Scotland that offers a place in learning or training to every 16-19 year old not currently in employment, education or training. This unprecedented commitment ensures that all young people have the opportunity to improve their chances of sustainable employment through learning or training. It also ensures that the post-16 system focuses on supporting those at risk of disengaging and those who have already done so. Youth Employment Strategy Following the launch of Opportunities for All, the Scottish Government published Scotland s Youth Employment Strategy in June 2012 detailing their commitment to providing more opportunities for young people. The Strategy describes ways in which those working with young people can contribute to increasing youth employment and the local Falkirk area Employability Partners have worked jointly on a range of initiatives and in developing provision to meet the objectives outlined in that strategy: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/resource/0039/00396371.pdf Falkirk have also been fully involved in working as a partnership to deliver Determining the Young Workforce (DYW), which was officially launched by the Scottish Government in June 2014 under the heading Education Working for All, Commission for Developing Scotland s Young Workforce. It is a set of 39 recommendations to consider: How a high class quality vocational education and training system, which complements our world-class higher education system, can be developed to enhance sustainable economic growth with a skilled workforce. How to achieve better connectivity and co-operation between education and the world of work to ensure young people at all levels of education understand the expectations of employers, and that employers are properly engaged. How to achieve a culture of real partnership between employers and education, where employers view themselves as co-investors and co-designers rather than simply customers.
Over the next few years we will continue to support and promote vocational opportunities to equip our young people to be successful in the 21 st century. The Youth Contract The Youth Contract (http://www.dwp.gov.uk/youth-contract) was introduced by the Government in April 2012 to provide additional support, worth almost 1 billion, to young unemployed people over the next three years. The Youth Contract builds on existing support to provide young people with more intensive adviser support and work experience, as well as providing employers with wage incentives and apprenticeship grants to encourage them to recruit young people. The Youth Contract Offer The -led elements of the Youth Contract which are now available include: Work Experience which offer placements in various industries from 2 to 8 weeks. This enables upskilling and current evidence and references for a candidates CV. Sector Based Work Academies run from 1 to 6 weeks which offer Pre Employment Training both accredited and non-accredited on a specific industry pathway plus on the job work experience. This is often with an employer and partner training organisation and is often used as the recruitment model of choice. All eligible parties can benefit from the current Scottish Employer Recruitment Incentive which can stage funding for SMEs to take on a currently unemployed candidate. Full details of this is available on https://www.ourskillsforce.co.uk/funding-for-skills/employerrecruitment-incentive/ Please note additional local variations may apply. For Full details of the Youth Contract offer please contact a local Jobcentre Employer Adviser
The Falkirk Approach In 2014 the previous two operational groups within the Falkirk LEP (Customer Offer and Youth Transitions) merged to become one group Routes to Employment - which whilst still prioritising the 16-24 age group now covers a broader, all age approach. The group seeks to take forward the key recommendations of the Better Alignment of Scotland s Employability Services (BASES) work as well as the recommendations from DYW and will work together on the forthcoming restructure of employability services aligned to the recommendations of the Smith Commission. This group focuses on both the supply and demand sides of the labour market preparing jobseekers to enter, sustain and progress in employment whilst working to secure employment and training opportunities for the benefit of local businesses. ROUTES TO EMPLOYMENT WORK GROUP OBJECTIVES Strategic Aim To provide a coherent offer of employability support and ensure a targeted and enhanced service is provided for priority groups (all age and stage) improving their chances of achieving sustainable, quality employment which contributes to better outcomes. Remit -To establish an integrated approach to employability pathways within the Strategic Skills Pipeline approach, identifying any gaps or duplication in provision, highlighting areas which require specific actions from partners. Priority Tasks 2016/17 1. To improve management, sharing and use of data to help design and deliver improved outcomes; 2. To agree and implement a common assessment and referral process; 3. To streamline and develop a co-ordinated approach to employers 4. To develop an online directory of services based on an all age and stage pipeline approach. Strategic Skills Pipeline The Strategic Skills Pipeline as outlined in Figure 3 below has been adopted nationally as a five stage approach to articulate the framework for the delivery of employability support services for learners and job seekers. The Strategic Skills Pipeline provides an employability pathway and assists the prioritisation and allocation of resources to meet identified needs. In Falkirk the majority provider for the Employability Fund national programmes is the local Authority, which delivers a competence based approach for the area, where SCQF Core Skill levels and the Falkirk Employability Award are used to identify, support, and demonstrate progression across the pipeline stages. Strategic Skills Pipeline
STAGE 1 Engagement And Personal Skills STAGE 2 Barrier Removal and Core Skills STAGE 3 Vocational and Work Focussed Training STAGE 4 Supporting Job Entry STAGE 5 In-work Support + Skills Development Figure 3 About the Stage 1 Engagement and Personal Skills Stage 1 interventions are designed for our most vulnerable young people. Many young people experience disrupted school education for a wide range of reasons. This may result in poor educational outcomes; a significant disadvantage in the labour market, irrespective of economic conditions. Re-engagement with education and training for this group is a critical step in the route to sustained employment. Such re-engagement often requires a wide ranging package of intensive, often prolonged, support tailored to the needs of the individual. Stage 2 Barrier Removal and Core Skills At this stage, young people still require a significant level of support to help them to remain engaged and move forward in terms of meeting their educational, skills, personal and social development needs. Stage 3 Vocational Activity and work focussed Training Stage 3 programmes have a specific employability focus and are usually designed for young people who are close to the labour market but require to brush up on their general employability skills, develop some sector specific skills and potentially gain some work experience of the workplace. It may be appropriate for a young person to progress from one stage 3 intervention to another depending on the specialism of the particular programmes. Stage 4 Supporting Job Entry Programmes at this stage are designed for young people who are job ready and require support to access appropriate employment. Stage 5 In Work Support and skills Development Even after a young person has found a job, continued support for them and their employer can be critical to ensure they sustain employment.
- CLD Liz Paton 01324 504417 liz.paton@falkirk.gov.uk Stage 1 Activity agreements April 2016 March 2017 Target group most vulnerable and at risk of not making or sustaining a positive destination 16-18 To deliver one to one and group support to school leavers who are unable to sustain any mainstream provision Local Authority Falkirk Area Stage 2 70 Rolling recruitment All age Life Skills Key Worker/Ad hoc - Providing initial assessment, confidence and engagement to progress to structured programme provision Scottish government grant
Hazel Mackie 01324 504483 hazel.mackie@falkirk.gov.uk Stage 2 April 2016-March 2017 16 17 years Local Authority Falkirk Area Stage 3 30 Rolling recruitment Employability Fund
Hazel Mackie 01324 504483 hazel.mackie@falkirk.gov.uk Stage 2 April 2016 to March 2017 18+ Local Authority Falkirk Area Stage 3 30 Rolling recruitment Employability Fund
Falkirk council Hazel Mackie 01324 504483 hazel.mackie@falkirk.gov.uk Stage 3 April 2016 to March 2017 16-17 Local Authority Falkirk Area Employment with training MA 86 Rolling recruitment Employability Fund
Falkirk council Hazel Mackie 01324 504483 hazel.mackie@falkirk.gov.uk Stage 3 April 2016 to March 2017 18+ Local Authority Falkirk Area Employment with training MA (under 20) 83 Rolling recruitment Employability Fund
Falkirk council Hazel Mackie 01324 504483 hazel.mackie@falkirk.gov.uk Stage 4 April 2016 to March 2017 16-17 Local Authority Falkirk Area Employment with training MA 0 rolling recruitment Employability Fund
Falkirk council Hazel Mackie 01324 504483 hazel.mackie@falkirk.gov.uk Stage 4 April 2016 to March 2017 18+ Local Authority Falkirk Area Employment with training MA 38 Rolling recruitment Employability Fund
Real Jobs Hazel Mackie 01324 504483 hazel.mackie@falkirk.gov.uk Stage 2 April 2016 to March 2017 Stage 3 16-19 Local Authority Falkirk Area Further pipeline stages Employment MA 40 Rolling recruitment Transition Support for young people with Disabilities - helps to provide advice, guidance and job coaching Education Services - mainly focussing on Carrongrange School
and Momentum Skills Hazel Mackie 01324 504483 hazel.mackie@falkirk.gov.uk Stage 1 April 2016 to March 2017 16-29 Local Authority Falkirk Area Further pipeline stages Employment with training MA 40 Rolling recruitment Advice, Guidance and Supported Employment - for people with Learning disabilities Focussing on people with learning disabilities who are capable of some type of employment
Hazel Mackie 01324 504483 hazel.mackie@falkirk.gov.uk Stage 2 April 2016 to March 2017 16-64 Local Authority Falkirk Area Stage 3 30+ Rolling recruitment NTP Wraparound
Hazel Mackie 01324 504483 hazel.mackie@falkirk.gov.uk Stage 3 April 2016 to March 2017 16-18 Local Authority Falkirk Area Stage 4 or Employment with training 60+ Rolling recruitment Pre Vocational Programmes/Projects - These programmes provide general employability support and the Bronze Employability Award (16wks average part funded by EF Focussing on establishing core employability competencies, behaviours and attitude as well as core skills
Julieann Airens 01324 504483 Julieann.airens@falkirk.gov.uk Stage 4 April 2016 to March 2017 16-18 Local Authority Falkirk Area Unemployed into Employment with training/modern Apprenticeships 16 Rolling recruitment Scotland s Employer Recruitment Incentive (SERI)
- ETU Julieann Airens 01324 504400 julieann.airens@falkirk.gov.uk Stage 4 April 2016 to March 2017 16-24 Local Authority Employers Falkirk Area N/A 30+ rolling recruitment 16-24 yrs Sponsored Modern Apprenticeships - Additional Training Costs and excludes employer costs Services - and policy commitment to deliver
Forth Valley College Adviceshop@forthvalley.ac.uk Funding Period (if applicable) Stage 2 All ages Self Referral Pupil Support Teacher Parent/guardian Social Worker Criminal Justice Worker Homeless Team Jobcentre plus Forth Valley College Falkirk/Stirling Full time college course Modern Apprenticeship January 17 -June 17 NEW START This course is aimed at learners who want to experience a range of academic and vocational taster courses whilst simultaneously improving their Core Skills in Communications and ICT. Learners will also attend workshops which will facilitate personal development; personal learning plans and provides support to learners when applying for future courses. Core Skills sessions are a compulsory element of the course. In addition, learners will also have the opportunity to choose a vocational taster route from Construction/Engineering, Creative Industries, and Care and Community Other Full Time Courses:- Introduction to Care, Health and Sport Falkirk and Stirling - SCQF Level 4
Forth Valley College Stage 3 & 4 April 2016 to March 2017 All age Self-Referral Pupil Support Teacher Parent/guardian Social Worker Criminal Justice Worker Homeless Team Jobcentre plus Forth Valley College Falkirk, Stirling, Alloa Full time college course Jan 2017 June 2017 Stage 3 Falkirk PASSPORT TO LEARNING This course could be a progression route for students on Pathfinders or winter school leavers who are mature and prepared to study at National 5 level in a college environment. You will be introduced to new subjects across the college departments and build upon your study skills in preparation for further study within college. This is a 19-week course. Content can include: Core Skills, Intro to Business, Intro to Creative Industries, Intro to Social Sciences, Health and Wellbeing or Local Investigations. NC INTRODUCTION TO BUSINESS & ADMINISTRATION
This introductory course is designed for people who have few formal qualifications and little experience of office work. The course takes an active approach to developing the skills that are essential when working in a business or office environment. On completion learners will be able to present themselves effectively to employers and customers, work with others and make informed decisions about their future employment and training plans. The College also offers a wide range of courses at SCQF Levels 5 & 6 that lead to a nationally recognised qualification in:- Science Carpentry & Joinery Computing Furniture Crafts Games Development Built Environment Hard Landscaping & Gardening Construction Business Civil Engineering Administration Computer Design & Technology Art & Design Finance Media Travel & Tourism Sound Production Care (Health, Social Care, Early Years) Electrical Engineering Social Sciences Measurement & Control Sport & Fitness Mechanical Engineering Health & Wellbeing Welding Beauty & Nail Service Hairdressing Hospitality & Professional Cookery
Forth Valley College Adviceshop@forthvalley.ac.uk Stage 2 All ages Self-Referral Pupil Support Teacher Parent/guardian Social Worker Criminal Justice Worker Homeless Team Jobcentre plus Falkirk, Alloa, Stirling Full time college course August Falkirk, Alloa, Stirling January Falkirk only Alloa/Falkirk/Stirling - PATHFINDER This access to further education programme provides students with the opportunity to find out what the College has to offer and to build both self-confidence and employment skills, with ongoing support and guidance. Learners will be supported throughout the duration of the course within a positive and respectful college environment. August and January starts. This course can progress to the Passport to Learning programme or wider college courses Alloa/Falkirk - LIFESTART This course can provide a link into adult and community services. Learners will study a range of subjects and will get the opportunity to develop and practice their skills within a supportive adult environment. There will be an emphasis on extending social and life skills and encouraging independence. Full-time 1 year. Part-time routes may be discussed at interview. Stirling /Alloa/Falkirk - WORKSTART Learners can further develop their core and interpersonal skills by: taking part in a range of subjects in the College; following individual programmes of study appropriate to their needs; participating in work
preparation activities.full-time 1 year, Part-time routes may be discussed at interview. Progression from this course could be supported employment opportunities, Community programmes or Vocational Courses.
Department of Work and Pensions Heron House 11b Wellside Place Falkirk FK1 5SE Tel: 01324 505242 Fax: 01324 505100 Email: contact-us@jobcentreplus.gsi.gov.uk 2, 3 and 4 Ongoing Benefit claimants and applicants, job seekers and employers. Self Referral Skills Development Scotland Falkirk and Jobcentres Uncapped N/A Jobcentre Plus is part of the Department for Work and Pensions (). We are here to provide work for those that can, and support for those that cannot. Many of our services are delivered over the phone; we are also improving ways for people to access our services on the internet. More and more we will encourage people to find information, make claims and look for jobs online. Jobcentres will mostly be used for booked appointments. This is so we can spend more of our time helping people who need extra support. Some of our services to help people will be delivered for Jobcentre Plus by other organisations (such as training providers). You can get our contact details and more information on services online at www.gov.uk