London Colleges Policy and Priorities

Transcription

1 London Colleges Policy and Priorities

2 Introduction London is one of the most prosperous cities in the world. Its success has been based on its openness and inventiveness over the centuries. London s further education sector is an engine of opportunity and driver of growth. Whilst more people are in work and apprenticeships are at record levels we also know that too many Londoners have yet to share fully in London s prosperity and potential. Association of Colleges London Region has identified five key areas where we believe further joint action is needed. Taken together they provide a platform to ensure that every Londoner is able to make the most of their talents and contribute to London s enduring success story. A fairer and more prosperous city You know the issues we face: 1. The rate of unemployment is higher in London than elsewhere in the country. 2. Too many children grow up in poverty. 3. Social mobility is constrained by unequal access to education and ladders of opportunity like apprenticeships. The experience of the last decade and enduring spirit of the Olympics tells us that it is possible to continue to make progress in making London both a fairer and even more prosperous city. This short pamphlet outlines our five point action plan for Londoners. Together we can make a positive difference. Ian Ashman, Principal, Hackney Community College Cathy Walsh, Principal, Barking & Dagenham College AoC London Regional Committee Co-Chairs.

3 1 Opportunities for Young People Cut the number of young Londoners not in education, employment or training (NEET). In 2012, 148,000 young Londoners aged 16 to 24 were NEET. Each year London colleges train 100,000 young people aged 16 to 18 with the skills they need to succeed in work, move to higher education or start their own business. Colleges offer a diverse range of subjects and at levels from beginners to advanced. Many colleges also offer degree and post-graduate qualifications, making it as easy as possible for students to study locally and to get best value for money. Colleges provide job-focused training, such as pre-apprenticeships, traineeships and basic skills including through the Youth Contract. An adequately resourced London-wide independent careers offer so that young people can make informed choices working with parents and guardians about the career opportunities available. Commitment from employers to offer young people the opportunity of meaningful work experience and jobs with training, including apprenticeships.

4 2 Meeting Employers Skills Needs Ensuring that London s employers have the skills they need to compete in a rapidly changing global economy. Working with London business and employers, including SMEs to respond to their demands for skills and specialising to meet the needs of the London economy. Engaging through AoC London with the London Enterprise Panel (LEP) the Greater London Authority, London Councils and employer bodies. A shared strategy setting out an overall ambition for the London economy and the skills needed to deliver it: A shared London Skills Statement to harness action. Support for specialist resources and investment to further enhance the quality of provision in London colleges. A partnership approach to build a simplified system for employers to link with skills provision.

5 3 Tackling Worklessness Worklessness is higher in London than in many other parts of the UK - a further 50,000 Londoners aged 16 to 64 would be in work if London s employment rate matched the national average. Working with London businesses and employers to help them to recruit local people; and create entrepreneurial openings. Delivering training to unemployed people in partnership with Jobcentre Plus and Work Programme providers across London. Maximising employment opportunities for those out of work, including through partnership approaches and public procurement clauses. Ever closer links between colleges, employers and public agencies to ensure work experience and employment opportunities for learners. Aligning the welfare and education systems better together to ensure complementarity.

6 4 Increasing Apprenticeships Apprenticeships are proven to benefit employers and individuals, particularly young people building a career. Despite recent improvements, London is only around mid-table on apprenticeship take-up in the UK. Working with the Mayor, the LEP, London First, London Councils and National Apprenticeship Service on the apprenticeships / skills campaign. Working in partnership with local authorities and agencies to develop joint priorities and investment in apprenticeships. A renewed London Apprenticeship Campaign, to build on recent successes and aim to make London number one in the UK for apprenticeships including at higher levels. An integrated approach to supporting employers, particularly SMEs, to take up apprenticeships with local authorities, business groups and others as part of economic development plans.

7 5 Equality and Social Value Londoners should have equal access to training and job opportunities, regardless of background. London s employment and skills system should be fairly funded to achieve this. Providing information, advice and guidance and helping Londoners navigate the fees and funding regulations. Supporting Londoners in entry level through to higher level skills, including basic literacy and numeracy needed to participate in society. Opening up access and widening participation, including for disadvantaged young people and adult learners. Working to ensure that central Government reforms treat London fairly. This includes ensuring that Londoners do not miss out on crucial learning as a result of Universal Credit and that funding of London s skills and employment reflect the higher costs of delivery and London s higher number of people with multiple disadvantages, including language needs. A London ambition to ensure everyone has basic literacy, numeracy and skills and there is a shared plan, including asks of individuals, employers and central and local Government, to deliver this in ten years.

8 AoC London Member Colleges: General Further Education & Tertiary Colleges (31) Barking and Dagenham College Barnet and Southgate College Bexley College Bromley College of Further and Higher Education Carshalton College City and Islington College City of Westminster College College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London College of North West London Croydon College Ealing, Hammersmith and West London College Greenwich Community College Hackney Community College Hampstead Garden Suburb Institute Harrow College Havering College of Further and Higher Education Kensington and Chelsea College Kingston College Lambeth College LeSoCo Newham College of Further Education Redbridge College Richmond Adult Community College Richmond Upon Thames College South Thames College Stanmore College Tower Hamlets College Uxbridge College Waltham Forest College West Thames College Westminster Kingsway College Sixth Form Colleges (12) BSix Brooke House Sixth Form College Christ the King Sixth Form College Haringey Sixth Form Centre Havering Sixth Form College John Ruskin College Leyton Sixth Form College Newham Sixth Form College St Charles Catholic Sixth Form College St Dominic's Sixth Form College St Francis Xavier Sixth Form College Sir George Monoux Sixth Form College Woodhouse College Specialist Designated Institutions (5) City Lit Hillcroft College Mary Ward Settlement Morley College Working Men's College Agriculture & Horticulture (1) Capel Manor College AoC London Region Contact Details: Caroline Neville Regional Director E: