Skills Boost for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly
Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly’s leading skills development specialists came together this week to celebrate more than £50m of European Social Fund investment, a major part of the Growth Programme. A total of fourteen projects are now live and these will all work towards supporting people in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly develop their employment skills and help them move towards or into employment.
The gathering of 100 delegates at the event was focussed on project collaboration to secure the best possible outcomes for any of the people it works with. The aim of the activity is to boost the wellbeing and lives of residents in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. This will in turn upskill the workforce offering businesses the chance to grow and increase productivity. Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly are facing a skills gap with the population falling behind the national average when it comes to qualifications. The area has a lower proportion of people with high level skills (NVQ Level 4+) at 29.4% compared to England at 36.4% according to the latest figures released for 2015.
Collectively, these ESF projects offer support for people from any background, whether they are in employment or not, to enhance their chances of employment through a variety of support functions. This will include one to one support, workshop activity, bespoke personal development programmes and formal qualifications.
Representing the European Social Fund Managing Authority and speaking at the event, Claire Maguire said, “This is a really exciting time for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. The Growth Programme and the projects supported by the European investments offer so many positive opportunities for people. The area has an excellent reputation for delivering this work, it’s really great to see the collaboration in the room and the excitement it’s already generating.”
Julian German, Cornwall Council’s Portfolio Holder for Economy said, “Developing skills and confidence is vital for moving into employment and living a healthy and happy life. It is great to hear the positive impact this European funding is making to people’s lives. We urgently need confirmation that Government will continue to allocate funding to skills programmes after 2019, based on need, if we are going to be able to build on this good work.”
Truro resident Ben Fullman has already benefitted from support and has recently gained employment at the Cornwall based international charity ShelterBox. Enrolling on the Access to Higher Levels Skills project being delivered by Truro and Penwith College, Ben completed a Level 3 Social Media for Business Award which coupled with previous qualifications gave him the skills required to work at the prestigious charity.
Ben said, “Working for Shelter Box has been the greatest opportunity to come up. Social media is new for a lot of businesses and Shelter Box have realised the power of it. When a new idea comes up, my managers are always excited and supportive for me to go for it and because of that it gives me the confidence to keep trying new things.”
To learn more about the projects being delivered and the opportunities available visit www.cornwallislesofscillygrowthprogramme.org.uk
Notes to editor
European Social Fund
The project has received funding from the European Social Fund (ESF) as part of the 2014-2020 European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme in England. The Department for Work and Pensions is the Managing Authority for the England ESF programme. Established by the European Union ESF funds help local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support innovation, businesses, skills development, job creation, social inclusion and local community regenerations. For more information visit https://www.gov.uk/european-growth-funding
Contact
For further information please contact Alex Ledbrooke, Engagement Officer, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly ITI Support Team (European Structural and Investment Funds)
Mobile – 07854 039960, Tel – 01872 322693, Email – aledbrooke@cornwall.gov.uk
Website – www.cornwallislesofscillygrowthprogramme.org.uk
Twitter – @GrowthProgramme
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