Labour Market & Curriculum Overview for Neath Port Talbot. May 2015

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1 Labour Market & Curriculum Overview for Neath Port Talbot May

2 Contents Content Page Number Executive Summary 3 Section 1 - Introduction 13 Section 2 Labour Market Intelligence 16 Section 3 Entrepreneurship Provision 29 Section 4 Projection Data Analysis 36 Section 5 Sector Specific Intelligence 53 Section 6 Skills 70 Section 7 - Provision & Curriculum Analysis 77 Section 8 For Consideration 88 2

3 Executive Summary This report presents the findings of a study undertaken by the Regional Learning Partnership south west and central Wales (RLPSWCW) in partnership with Neath Port Talbot Borough Council and representatives from the education sector. The main aim of the report is to provide an overview of the most recent labour market intelligence relating to Neath Port Talbot (NPT) and its current curriculum provision offer. In our current challenging economic climate, the development of a skilled and well trained workforce has become a key priority for the Welsh Government (WG). It is seen as a means of obtaining economic growth and prosperity. Indeed, the WG recognises that: Education and training does more than shape the life chances of individuals; the skills level of our population is a key determinant of our economic performance. 1. The use of current labour market intelligence has become recognised as an essential tool in the planning of a fit for purpose curriculum which will meet the needs of future learners and employers. Research The research is based on the analysis of secondary data and the curriculum offer for the academic year 14/15. The curriculum information has been obtained directly from Careers Wales and relates to Key Stage 4 and provision offer of the secondary schools and Further Education institutions in NPT. This data included has been selected to provide a comprehensive and representative picture of NPT in terms of its demography, labour market and identified challenges. 1 Accessed electronically via wales.gov.uk/topics/educationandskills/aboutthistopic/?lang=en (Oct,2011) 3

4 Main Findings The following is a selection of key headlines from the review. Cambridge Econometrics Projection Data Analysis suggests that the projected employment levels in Neath Port Talbot were at 54,300 in Over a seventeen year period to 2030, employment levels are expected to increase by 1,800 to a total of 56,100 employees at a county level. Employment Projections indicate that the Health sector will see the largest increase in employment between 2013 and 2030 with an increase of 700 employees expected, which translates to 21.2%. This coincides with the projected rise in GVA for the sector over the same time period. An increasingly ageing population could be one of the main drivers behind this predicted rise as the demand for healthcare provision will increase. Entrants to the sector need a solid grounding in basic skills. In order for the Health sector to continue to grow, innovation and product development need to draw upon STEM education. The Construction sector has historically been a substantial employer in Wales. Employment levels were already projected at around 5,000 in 2013 and projections suggest that this figure could increase in NPT by 500 (+10%) employees to 5,500 by There will be a demand for higher skilled construction workers (up to level 4), including corporate managers. Due to the high percentage of SMEs in the sector, there is a need to build capacity in basic business management skills (entrepreneurship). There is a notable gender imbalance in the sector. Furthermore, the Real Estate industry is projected to see an increase of 600 (+75%) employees suggesting that the economic stabilisation of the market could lead to increases in employment opportunities. There are significant barriers to training in the sector, such as time and financial constraints. The sector is characterised by an ageing workforce and therefore it is increasingly important for the sector to attract a younger workforce. ICT skills have become increasingly important, now playing a vital role in how employees communicate. The Food and Beverage Services sector is projected to see an increase of 400 employees, reinforcing the increasing success of the county s leisure and tourism sector. There is a requirement to further take advantage of the county s natural resources and environment and use them as a pull factor, this in turn would create a demand for employment within the sector. The sector has a high turnover rate which means that higher than normal proportions of employees are relatively new to their job. Furthermore, the reliance on transient (such as students and international workers) means employers limit investment in employee engagement, resulting in low productivity. Management skills are key in developing staff and creating an engaged, motivated workforce providing excellent customer service. The sector projected to see the most significant decrease in employment is the Metals and Metal products sector. Projections suggest that employment levels will reduce by 800 or % by The relatively small percentage change substantiates that despite the 4

5 projected loss of 800 employees the sector will remain as one of prominence in the county in terms of total employment numbers. With this being said it would be advantageous for any relevant persons to ensure students and young people are not solely focused on working in this industry, or at least made aware of any potential future job cuts, and that gaining employment in the industry may not be as easy as it once was. Sectors with the greatest increase in projected employment to 2030 are: 1. Health (+700 employees) 2. Real estate (+600 employees) 3. Construction (+500 employees) 4. Food & Beverage Services (+400 employees) 5. Business Support Services (+200 employees) Sectors with the greatest decrease in projected employment to 2030 are: 1. Metals & Metal Products (-800 employees) 2. PAD (-600 employees) 3. Textiles, etc. (-200 employees) 4. Education (-100 employees) 5. Mining & Quarrying (-100 employees) 6. Other Manufacturing & Repair (-100 employees) 7. Food, Drink & Tobacco (-100 employees) 8. Electronics (-100 employees) 9. Wood & Paper (-100 employees) Gross Value Added (GVA) Total GVA in Neath Port Talbot is projected to increase consistently from ; the total increase of the 17 year period is expected to be million. The projection data indicates that the Real Estate sector is expected to see the most significant increase in GVA (Gross Value Added) between 2013 and This increase is expected to be in the region of million which equates to a 215.2% increase on 2013 figures. This comes as no surprise given the recent influx of substantial monetary contributions to regeneration schemes in the county. One of the most notable is the 1.2 billion Coed Darcy urban village, which will see the creation of 4,000 new homes. Additionally, the Construction sector is expected to see significant increases of 55.1 million in GVA over the same time period. It is without doubt that proposed improvement plans and 5

6 regeneration schemes (e.g. Port Talbot Vibrant & Viable Places Programme, Neath Town Centre redevelopment, New Leisure Centre at Aberavon Seafront, etc.) will play a role in securing the sectors future as one of high value both in monetary and employment terms. The local economy has long been based on a strong manufacturing base which is substantiated by the expected 94.1 million increase in GVA for the Metals and Metal products sector. The location of steel producer Tata Steel cements the sector as one of great importance to the county. The Health sector is expected to see an increase of 34.9 million which equates to a 31.9% increase on 2013 figures. With evidence of an ageing population (25.4% of NPT s population are aged over 60) this comes as no surprise. Significant investment has been made in the Health sector in Wales over recent years and this investment is set to continue. In parallel, the Residential and Social sector will also see significant increases of 19.8 million over the same time period. With life expectancy increasing there is added pressure on residential and social services. The sectors with the most significant increase in projected Gross Value Added (GVA) to 2030 are (ranked in descending order): 1. Real Estate ( million) 2. Metals & Metal Products ( million) 3. Construction ( million) 4. Health ( million) 5. Retail Trade ( million) 6. Residential & Social ( million) 7. Education ( million) 8. Business Support Services ( million) The sectors with the most significant decrease in projected GVA to 2030 are: 1. Textiles, etc. (- 1.5 million) 6

7 Employment by Occupation Analysis of the data suggests that Caring Personal Service occupations will see some of the largest increases in employment over the seventeen year time period with 400 more employees by This is to be expected given the predicted rise in employment levels within the Health sector. Interestingly Teaching and Educational Professionals occupations are expected to increase by 400. Given that total employment within the Education sector is expected to decline, this decline could be in other occupations such as administrative and maintenance roles. The county has seen changes over recent years in terms of its education structure, closures and mergers have meant that staffing structures have and will continue to change resulting in job losses in certain areas. The largest decreases are expected to be seen within the Textiles, printing and other skilled trades occupations and Process, plant and machine operatives occupations. This could be as a result of a number of factors, however higher reliance and utilisation of technology in skilled trades could be a key factor. Occupations The occupations in Neath Port Talbot projected to receive the largest increase in employment when 2013 and 2030 figures are compared are: 1. Corporate managers and directors (+400 employees) 2. Teaching and educational professionals (+400 employees) 3. Administrative occupations (+400 employees) 4. Caring personal service occupations (+400 employees) 5. Business and public service associate professionals (+300 employees) The occupations in Neath Port Talbot projected to receive the largest decrease in employment when 2013 and 2030 figures are compared are: 1. Textiles, printing and other skilled trades (-400 employees) 2. Process, plant and machine operatives (-400 employees) 3. Protective service occupations (-200 employees) 4. Skilled metal, electrical and electronic trades (-200 employees) 7

8 Skills There is a need to further develop soft skills across the economy to compliment other skills needs identified for key sectors. Studies have indicated that there is a significant demand for leaders and managers to develop their soft skills. Effective management is key to the success of an organisation and its employees, it is apparent that soft skills are essential for this. There is underemployment in the economy; many employees possess skills and qualifications that are higher than those required to do their jobs. Enterprise The NPT economy is reliant on micro and SMEs and self-employment; there is provision in place to aid entrepreneurship, enterprise and innovation. NPTCBC s business team can provide information on where to find business advice and support, as well as information on funding. Further activities include: Sandfields Business Centre, Innov8, Innov8+, UK Steel Enterprise Start-up grant, Neath Port Talbot Flexible Loan Fund, UK Steel Enterprise, Croeserw Community Enterprise Centre, Enterprise Learning Forum (ELF), TrustMark Accreditation Grant, Public Facilities Grant Scheme, Enterprise Finance Guarantee Scheme, Commercial Property Grant. Neath Port Talbot College Group is the sole college in Neath Port Talbot, following the merger of Neath Port Talbot College and Coleg Powys. Entrepreneurship activities at NPTCGroup include: Centerprise - Student enterprise and business incubation centre that supports courses for new businesses including taxation calculations. 8

9 Neath Port Talbot Curriculum Provision KS4 Curriculum Provision Strengths All schools offer KS4 provision in Crafts, Creative Arts & Design at level 2; in addition, all schools apart from St. Josephs Catholic School & 6 th Form Centre offer level 1 KS4 provision. All schools offer level 1 and level 2 KS4 provision in Performing Arts. A total of 8 out of 11 schools offer KS4 provision in Business Management. A total of 9 schools offer KS4 provision in Building & Construction. A total of 8 schools offer KS4 provision in Engineering. St. Josephs Catholic School & 6 th Form Centre is the only institution not to offer level 1 and level 2 KS4 provision in Manufacturing Technologies. A total of 7 institutions offer KS4 provision in Health & Social Care. All schools offer some form of ICT KS4 provision. All institutions offer level 1 and level 2 KS4 provision in Languages, Literature & Culture of the British Isles and Other Languages, Literature & Culture. All schools offer level 1 and level 2 KS4 provision in Sports, Leisure & Recreation. All schools offer KS4 provision in Foundations for Learning & Life. Only Glan Afan Comprehensive School does not offer any KS4 provision in Hospitality & Catering, with the remaining schools all offering provision at level 1 and level 2. A total of 6 schools offer KS4 provision in Service Enterprises (all at level 2). Every institution offers level 1 and level 2 KS4 provision in Statistics & Mathematics and Science. All schools offer level 1 and level 2 KS4 provision in Geography. Every school offers level 1 and level 2 KS4 provision in History and Theology & Religious Studies. KS4 Curriculum Provision Limitations No schools offer any KS4 provision in Agriculture, Environmental Conservation and Horticulture& Forestry. Only Cwrt Sart Community Comprehensive School offers KS4 provision in Animal Care & Veterinary Science (at level 2). Only Dyffryn School offers KS4 provision in Media & Communication (at level 1 and level 2). No schools offer any KS4 provision in Accounting & Finance, Administration and Law & Legal Services. Only 3 schools offer KS4 provision in Transportation Operations & Maintenance (all at level 2). Ysgol Gyfun Ystalyfera and St. Josephs Catholic School & 6 th Form Centre are the only institutions to offer KS4 provision in Child Development & Well Being (both at level 2). 9

10 Ysgol Gyfun Ystalyfera is the only school to offer KS4 provision in Public Services (at level 2). A total of 4 schools offer KS4 provision in Travel & Tourism (all at level 1 and level 2). A total of 3 schools offer KS4 provision in Preparation for Work. Only 2 schools (Glan Afan Comprehensive School and Cymer Afan Comprehensive School) offer KS4 provision in Retailing & Wholesaling, both at level 2. No schools offer any KS4 provision in Economics, Politics and Sociology & Social Policy. No schools offer any KS4 provision in Archaeology & Archaeological Sciences and Philosophy Curriculum Provision Strengths NPTCG offers Administration as a part-time course available to year olds. NPTCG offers provision in Horticulture & Forestry from level 1 through to level 3. Every institution offers provision in Crafts, Creative Arts & Design, with NPTCG also offering level 2 and level 4 provision. Every institution offers level provision in Media & Communication, with NPTCG also offering level 2 provision. All institutions offer level provision in Performing Arts. NPTCG offers provision in Accounting & Finance from level 1 through to level 4. All institutions offer level provision in Business Management, with NPTCG also offering provision at level 2 through to degree level. NPTCG and St. Josephs Catholic School & 6 th Form Centre offer level provision in Law & Legal Services. NPTCG offers provision in Building & Construction from level 1 through to level 3. Learners are also offered progression to HND level should they wish. All institutions offer level provision in Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies, with NPTCG offering level 1 and level 2 provision in both areas also. All institutions offer level provision in Public Services. Every institution offers level provision in ICT Practitioners with NPTCG offering this at level 2 also. Furthermore, NPTCG offer level 1 provision within the IT users subject area. All institutions offer level provision in Languages, Literature & Culture of the British Isles and Other Languages, Literature & Culture. All institutions offer provision in Foundations for Learning & Life at level 3. Every institution offers level provision in Statistics & Mathematics and Science. All institutions offer level provision in Geography. Every institution offers level provision in History and Theology & Religious Studies. Provision is offered within the Travel and Tourism subject area at level 2 through to degree level. 10

11 16-18 Curriculum Provision Limitations Only NPTCG offer provision in Agriculture (at level 2). No institution offers provision in Animal Care & Veterinary Science and Environmental Conservation. No institutions offer any provision in Archaeology and Archaeological Sciences. Further Conclusions There is provision in place to support the projected growth in the Construction sector and projected employment growth in skilled construction and building trades. There is provision in place to support the growth in the Health and Residential & Social sectors, and the projected employment growth in caring personal service occupations, health professionals and health and social care associate professionals. There is Travel & Tourism provision in place which will help support the growth in the Tourism sector and its related sectors. In addition, this specific provision will help support the employment growth in leisure, travel and related personal service occupations. There is Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies provision in place to support the significant projected employment in the Metals & Metal Products sector. There is strong provision in Engineering, Statistics & Mathematics and Science in Neath Port Talbot which will help support the projected employment increase in science, research, engineering and technology professionals. There is strong provision in Foundations for Learning & Life and limited provision in Preparation for Work; this should support the need to improve soft skills in Wales. 11

12 For Consideration The following strategic considerations have been drawn: Improve the current understanding of the identified growth sectors and priorities for Neath Port Talbot. Ensure that providers continue to address the gender and role stereotyping within occupational sectors. Completion of an annual audit of data - curriculum provision should be analysed against future projected growth and decline sectors for the county (using economic projection data) on which to make informed decisions in relation to offered provision. Commission further research to identify the specific job role demands for projected growth industries within the county, with a view to ensuring that skills demands are met. Ensure that learners are well informed on growth sectors and available progression routes. Invest in soft skills and job specific skills to improve the competiveness of the local economy. A more detailed explanation of these can be found in Section 8. 12

13 Section 1- Introduction 1.1 The Regional Learning Partnership The Regional Learning Partnership (RLP) has been recognised for its transformational work in bringing together education and regeneration partners with a view to providing a better future and improving the prospects for learners in south west and central Wales. Since forming in 2007 its main aim is to ensure that publicly-funded learning providers and associated organisations work collaboratively, effectively and efficiently across the areas of education and regeneration to meet the needs of the learners and the regional economy in south west and central Wales. The partnership is made up of key representatives from Local Government, Higher Education, Further Education, Third Sector, Private Sector, Training Providers, Jobcentre Plus and Careers Wales across Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Neath Port Talbot, Pembrokeshire, Powys and Swansea. Recognised by the Welsh Government for its transformational work with regeneration and education organisations, the RLP has been praised for its efforts towards efficiency and improvement in bringing together people who have an interest in the training and skills agenda, to maximise opportunities for learners and potential learners wanting to progress their careers or enter employment. 1.2 About this Report The main purpose of this report is to provide an analysis of the current curriculum provision in Neath Port Talbot against the most recently available labour market intelligence with the aim of determining whether it is fit for purpose and meets the needs of future learners, as well as current and future employers in the county. The report is divided into 8 sections; details of each section can be seen below: Section 1 gives an introduction to the report including background information about the Regional Learning Partnership South West and Central Wales. Section 2 provides an analysis of the most recently available labour market intelligence for Neath Port Talbot. This data has been acquired from a range of reputable sources including the 2011 Census, the Business Register and Employment Survey and the Welsh Government. Section 3 details entrepreneurship provision in NPT and the measures put in place to support business growth, development and job creation. Section 4 focuses on projection data sourced from an independent consultancy (Cambridge Econometrics) who specialise in economic modelling and data analysis techniques. This provides an insight into the potential growth and decline sectors for NPT between 2013 and

14 Section 5 provides an in-depth analysis of the identified expanding sectors for NPT as well as identified key sectors that are adjusting. This information is supported by secondary data and evidence accessed from the relevant Sector Skills Councils. Section 6 includes information on skills shortages and gaps seen across sectors. Section 7 provides an analysis of Neath Port Talbot s curriculum offer for the academic year 14/15. Section 8 details the report s conclusions and recommendations and aims to provide intelligence to stimulate debate as to whether NPT s curriculum provision is fit for purpose. 1.3 Methodology This report utilises both primary and secondary data sources. Neath Port Talbot s academic year curriculum provision has been provided directly by Careers Wales; the data shows the curriculum at KS4 and level for each relevant educational institution in the county. The secondary data sources utilised in this report have mainly been taken from the Regional Learning and Skills Observatory, with Cambridge Econometrics projection data also being accessible through this medium. In addition, this report utilises intelligence from varying Sector Skills Councils, Welsh Government and the UK Commission for Employment and Skills to further evidence key findings. 1.4 Policy Context Over recent decades there has been a shift change in the nature of the employment market. Skills and work experience have grown to become an elementary requirement for a larger proportion of jobs within the economy. It is in society s interest because it provides a ladder into meaningful employment; it improves the quality of our workforce; and most importantly, it provides a critical tool for Government to fulfil its obligation to young people to prepare them for a lifetime of employment 2 Skills have a palpable effect on the economic and social well-being of Wales. As a result of this the creation of an appropriately trained and skilled workforce has become a key priority for the Welsh Government (WG). As well as a means of obtaining economic growth and prosperity, skills provide a strong lever for tackling poverty and strengthening the creation of jobs and growth. 3 In a recently published policy statement the WG highlighted: 2 The Richard Review of Apprenticeships (2012) Accessed electronically via 3 Accessed electronically via (March, 2014) 14

15 It is these skills that will define our future competitiveness and support Wales to evolve into a highly-skilled nation capable of raising productivity, reducing barriers into work and supporting people into employment. 4 In January 2014, the Welsh Government published a policy statement addressing the longterm and strategic view of how the skills system in Wales will need to evolve over the next decade, there are four priorities documented, which are 5 : 1. Skills for jobs and growth: Focuses on how Wales can stimulate demand for a more highly-skilled society that can drive forward our economy in the pursuit of jobs and growth. 2. Skills that respond to local needs: Describes how Wales must develop a skills system which reflects the needs of local communities, including providing a streamlined and accessible employment and skills offer for both individuals and employers. 3. Skills that employers value: Recognises the importance of engaging employers to participate in the skills system and describes the level of coinvestment needed alongside government if Wales is to remain competitive. 4. Skills for Employment: Explores the role of the skills system in providing the employment support necessary to assist individuals into employment and to progress in work, both of which are central to our tackling poverty agenda in Wales. 4 Accessed electronically via (March, 2014)

16 Section 2 Labour Market Intelligence This section aims to give a statistical overview of Neath Port Talbot, highlighting key information relating to population, youth migration, the number of businesses and qualifications, amongst others. 2.1 Population & Population Structure Neath Port Talbot borders the other principal areas of Bridgend and Rhondda Cynon Taff to the east, Powys and Carmarthenshire to the north and Swansea to the west. The following table provides a population breakdown for Neath Port Talbot and Wales in 2011: Table 1: Usual Resident Population, 2011 Neath Port Age Category Neath Port Wales Actual Talbot Actual Wales Talbot Figure Figure Total Population 139, % 3,063, % Number of people aged between 0 and 4 years Number of people aged between 0 and 15 years Number of people aged between 5 and 15 years Number of people aged between 16 and 24 years Number of people aged between 16 and 29 years Number of people aged between years Number of people aged 60+ years Source: Census , % 178, % 24, % 556, % 17, % 377, % 14, % 373, % 23, % 559, % 79,641 57% 1,739, % 35, % 767, % Analysis of Table 1 shows that Neath Port Talbot had a population of 139,812 in 2011; this corresponds to 4.6% of the total population of Wales. The county had a higher percentage of people aged 60 and above than Wales (25.4% as opposed to Wales 25.1%) in 2011, and had a lower percentage of people in the age range (16.9% compared with 18.3%); this suggests that Neath Port Talbot has more of an ageing population than that of Wales. 16

17 2.2 Internal Migration The following table presents data on internal migration in Neath Port Talbot for the year ending June 2013; Table 2: Internal Migration, NPT, 2013 Age Persons Male Female Inflow Outflow Balance Inflow Outflow Balance Inflow Outflow Balance All Source: ONS Analysis of Table 2 shows that 160 more people aged left Neath Port Talbot than moved into the county in The age range was the only age range in the county to have a negative balance in 2013; this is perhaps unsurprising given that there is no university located in Neath Port Talbot. 17

18 2.3 Businesses This sub-section gives an overview of the business demography in Neath Port Talbot Number of Businesses by Industry The following table depicts the number of businesses by industry (standard industrial classification 2007 (SIC 2007)) in Neath Port Talbot as of 12/3/2013. Table 3: Number of Business Units by Industry, NPT, 2013 Industry % of All Business Units Actual Figure Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing Production Construction Motor Trade Wholesale Retail Transport & Storage (Inc. Postal) Accommodation & Food Services Information & Communication Finance & Insurance Property Professional, Scientific & Technical Business Administration & Support Services Public Administration & Defence Education Health Arts, Entertainment, Recreation and Other Services Source: ONS data taken from the RLSO Total Analysis of Table 3 shows that there were 3,360 businesses in Neath Port Talbot in 2013; the four largest businesses by industry were Retail (470 business units), Construction (370 business units), Production (295 business units) and Health (295 business units). 18

19 The majority of Neath Port Talbot s businesses were micro and SMEs in 2013; Table 4 outlines this. Table 4: Business by Size, 2013 % of All Local % of All Local Business Units with Business Units with 0-4 Persons 5-9 Persons Employed Employed % of All Local Business Units with Persons Employed % of All Local Business Units with 20+ Persons Employed 59.4 (1995) 18.2 (610) 11 (370) 11.5 (385) Source: ONS data taken from the RLSO Inference of Table 4 shows that 77.6% of Neath Port Talbot s businesses in 2013 employed between 0-9 persons Number of Business Units by Welsh Government Priority Sectors The following data is taken from the most recent Welsh Government data release relating to the priority sectors for Wales. Table 4 displays data relating to the number of local business units by priority sector (2013). Table 5: Local Units by Priority Sector, NPT Sector Year Advanced materials & Manufacturing Construction Creative Industries Energy & Environment Food & Farming Financial & Professional Services ICT Life Sciences Tourism Total Table 5 indicates that in 2013, the Energy and Environment sector had the most number of local units amongst the priority sectors in Neath Port Talbot, with a figure of 520 individual sites of an enterprise. The only sectors to have seen an increase in local unit numbers between 2008 and 2013 were the Creative Industries and Food and Farming sectors. The Construction sector saw the most significant decrease in local unit numbers with a loss of 90 units, which translates to -18%. 19

20 The following graph provides a visual representation of Table 5: Figure 1: Local Units by Priority Sector, NPT Source: Welsh Government Priority Sector Statistics,

21 2.4 Employment This sub-section gives an overview of employment in Neath Port Talbot Employees by Industry The following table gives a breakdown of the number of employees by industry in Neath Port Talbot. This data is taken from the 2012 Business Register Employment Survey (BRES). The user should take into account the following points when analysing the data: Figures may not add up due to rounding; Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing figures exclude farm agriculture; A less than arrow (<) represents a data item less than 50. Table 6: Employees by Industry, 2012, NPT Broad Industry Group Full-time Employees Part-time Employees Total Employees Manufacturing 8, ,700 Health 3,300 3,000 6,300 Retail 2,200 2,700 4,900 Education 1,000 2,900 3,900 Public Administration 2,600 1,200 3,800 Construction 2, ,900 Accommodation & Food Services Business Administration and Support Services 800 1,500 2,200 1, ,200 Mining, Quarrying & Utilities 1,900 < 2,000 Other 900 1,200 2,000 Transport & Storage (Inc. Postal) Professional, Scientific & Technical 1, ,500 1, ,300 Wholesale 1, ,100 Property Motor Trades Information & Communication Finance & Insurance Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing* 100 < 100 Source: BRES data taken from the RLSO *This figure is an approximate value based on the BRES survey results. However, other data contained on the RLSO, from the Welsh Agricultural Small Area Statistics 2011, indicates that there were 471 full-time and part-time principal farmers in Neath Port Talbot in

22 Analysis of Table 6 shows that the Manufacturing sector was responsible for the greatest number of employees in the county in 2012 (8,700); the vast majority of positions held in the sector were full-time positions (8,400). This is perhaps unsurprising given that Tata Steel is a large employer in Neath Port Talbot. In contrast, the Health industry had nearly a 50:50 split of full-time and part-time staff Employee Jobs by Priority Sector The following data has again been taken from the Welsh Government s most recent priority sector statistics and shows the number of priority sector employee jobs in Neath Port Talbot. An asterisk (*) represents a data item which has been with-held (to protect confidentiality). Table 7: Employee Jobs by Priority Sector, NPT Sector Year Advanced materials & Manufacturing 8,000 8,100 7,000 7,200 7,000 Construction 3,600 3,500 3,000 2,700 3,400 Creative Industries Energy & Environment 3,600 4,300 4,700 4,600 5,800 Food & Farming * * Financial & Professional Services 3,300 3,200 3,800 3,800 3,600 ICT Life Sciences * * Tourism 3,700 3,300 3,200 3,300 3,500 Total 23,000 23,100 22,900 22,600 24,700 Source: Welsh Government Priority Sector Statistics, 2013 Analysis of Table 7 shows that the Advanced Materials and Manufacturing sector in Neath Port Talbot had 7,000 (a decrease of 1000 on 2008 figures) employee jobs in 2012, while the Energy and Environment sector had 5,800, an increase of 61% from The Tourism and Construction sectors have decreased by 200 jobs each. Figure 2: Employee Jobs by Priority Sector, NPT 22

23 2.4.3 Employment by Private/Public Sector The following pie chart gives a breakdown of employment by sector (public or private) in Neath Port Talbot in The user should take into account the following points when analysing the data: Total employment is defined as employees plus working proprietors; Figures also may not add up due to rounding; Figures exclude farm agriculture. Figure 3 shows that approximately 75% of employment in Neath Port Talbot was attributed to the private sector in 2012; this shows the importance of entrepreneurship, enterprise and innovation to the county. Figure 3: Employment by Private/Public Sector, 2012, NPT Source: BRES data taken from the RLSO 23

24 2.4.4 Employment by Priority Sector The Welsh Government s priority sector statistics also cover employment data at the county level. The following table shows employment by priority sector in Neath Port Talbot from An asterisk (*) represents a data item which has been with-held. Table 8: Employment by Priority Sector, NPT Sector Year Advanced materials & Manufacturing 8,802 7,112 8,251 7,805 7,934 7,000 Construction 6,195 5,403 5,741 6,150 5,743 4,500 Creative Industries * * * * * 1,100 Energy & Environment 6,404 6,299 6,649 7,349 6,218 4,600 Food & Farming * * * * * * Financial & Professional Services 2,510 2,410 2,460 3,850 3,981 2,900 ICT * * * Life Sciences * * * * * * Tourism 4,148 3,380 3,222 3,430 3,617 3,500 Total 28,059 25,523 27,210 29,515 27,493 23,600 Source: Welsh Government Priority Sector Statistics, 2013 Analysis of Table 8 shows that the Advanced Materials & Manufacturing sector in Neath Port Talbot had an employment figure of 7,000 in 2013, which is a decrease of 21.0% on 2008 figures. The Energy and Environment and sector has also seen a considerable decrease in employment of 28.0% from Conversely, the Financial and Professional Services sector has seen an increase in employment of 16% from Figure 4: Priority Sector Employment, NPT Source: Welsh Government Priority Sector Statistics,

25 2.5 Benefits The following table shows the most recently available data relating to Jobseeker s Allowance (JSA) claimant counts in Neath Port Talbot: Table 9: JSA Claimants, June 2014, NPT Number of Working Age % of Working Age Population Claiming JSA Population Claiming JSA Number of People aged Claiming JSA % of JSA Claimants who are aged Source: Department for Work & Pensions data taken from the RLSO The following line graph provides a visual representation of how the numbers of JSA claimants in Neath Port Talbot has varied from June 2013 and June 2014: Figure 5: Number of JSA Claimants, NPT Source: Department for Work & Pensions data taken from the RLSO Analysis of Figure 5 shows that the number of JSA claimants in Neath Port Talbot has decreased considerably from June 2013 to June 2014 (-742), suggesting a recovery in the local economy. The increase in JSA claimants from December 2013 to February 2014 can probably be attributed to Christmas vacancies ending. 25

26 The following table shows how the JSA claimant count amongst those aged varied from January 2014 to March 2014 in Neath Port Talbot; Table 10: JSA Claimants Aged 17-24, NPT April 2014 May 2014 June 2014 Actual Figure % of JSA CLs Actual Figure % of JSA CLs Actual Figure % of JSA CLs Source: Department for Work & Pensions data taken from the RLSO Analysis of Table 10 shows that between April 2014 and June 2014, there was an overall increase of 155 JSA claimants aged Destinations Data The following table presents the results from the 2013 Careers Wales School Leavers Destinations Survey. It includes pupils who have reached statutory leaving age, Year 11, and pupils leaving school in Years 12 and 13. Table 11: Destinations Data, 2013, NPT Destination Year 11 Year 12 Year 13 Continued in College Continued in School Continued to Higher Education Gap Year Part-time Education Employed Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET) WBT Employed WBT Non-employed No Response Moved Away Total Numbers Source: Careers Wales data taken from the RLSO Inference of Table 11 shows that 1,425 out of 1,640 year 11 leavers in Neath Port Talbot continued in college or school in 2013, with a further 3 moving into part-time education. Unfortunately, 72 out of 1,640 (4.4%) progressed to being NEET. The majority of year 13 school leavers continued into higher education (56.9%) in 2013, with 12.3% entering employment. The following graph provides a visual representation of how the percentage of school leavers who progress to being NEET has varied from for year 11, year 12 and year 13 pupils in Neath Port Talbot: 26

27 Figure 6: % of NEET School Leavers, NPT Source: Careers Wales data taken from the RLSO A clear visual statistic of Figure 6 is that the percentage of NEET school leavers in Neath Port Talbot has decreased relatively sharply for year 11, 12 and 13 school leavers from 2011 to 2012, but increased from 2012 to Longer term, the percentage of year 11 NEET school leavers has decreased year-on-year from 2008 to 2012 (although increased from 2012 to 2013); this steady decline implies that programmes aiming to support young people who are NEET have been effective at the year 11 in Neath Port Talbot. 27

28 % No Qualifications % Highest Level of Qualification is Level 1 % Highest Level of Qualification is Level 2 % Highest Level of Qualification is Level 3 % Highest Level of Qualification is Level 4 and Above % Highest Level of Qualification is Other Qualifications 2.7 Qualifications The following table shows a summary of qualification attainment levels obtained in Neath Port Talbot with a regional and Wales wide comparator in 2011: Table 12: Qualification Levels, 2011 Area Neath Port Talbot South West & Central Wales Wales Source: Census 2011 Analysis of Table 12 shows that Neath Port Talbot was above the regional and Wales average for percentage of people with no qualifications in 2011, with a figure of 30.9%. In addition, Neath Port Talbot was below the regional and Wales figure of persons whose highest level of qualification is level 4 and above (18.8%). 2.8 Welsh Language Skills Figures obtained from the most recent Census state that there were 20,698 people in Neath Port Talbot able to speak Welsh (all persons aged 3 and over) in 2011; this was 15.3% of the population (all persons aged 3 and over) of the county. The percentage of people able to speak Welsh at the Wales level in 2011 was 19%, with Neath Port Talbot being below this figure. 28

29 Section 3 - Entrepreneurship 3.1 Local Authority Business Support The Neath Port Talbot team support local businesses by: Financial support (loans/grants) providing financial support to new start-up businesses and those relocating or expanding within Neath Port Talbot; New business start-up advice providing advice and financial support to new business start-ups; Regeneration developments promoting the latest regeneration developments within Neath Port Talbot to provide a more exciting and dynamic place to live and work; Employment support the Workways team create links with local companies to assist with recruitment and access any available support; Relocation/property search through the vacant commercial property/land register by type, size, tenure and location; Business directory over 1,000 businesses are registered on the directory which helps to encourage localised trading; NPT business bulletin; Events & training there are numerous types of networking events and training seminars being held on a weekly basis; General advice Sandfields Business Centre Sandfields Business Centre is a flagship of Neath Port Talbot Council's entrepreneurial initiatives, providing office and workshop accommodation to start-up and existing businesses to young people under the age of 31. The main objective of the centre is to make the first step into the world of business as easy as possible. Managed by the Property & Regeneration Team, the centre was officially opened in 1998 and quickly made an impact with a flurry of young businesses taking advantage of the facilities. With such positive feedback, and a number of businesses on the waiting list, plans were submitted and approved for the second phase of the building Innov8 Based at Sandfields Business Centre, the council's Innov8 programme provides support for young people under the age of 31 who either have a business idea they want to explore, or need advice on running an existing business. Support is available to help with: Business planning; Tailored support and guidance for start-up businesses; Ongoing mentoring for existing businesses. 6 Accessed electronically via 7 Accessed electronically via 29

30 The programme can also help individuals access more specialist support such as bookkeeping, marketing, etc.. Individuals may also be eligible to apply for a grant of up to 1000 towards start up costs such as marketing or equipment. Events and advice surgeries are also run from the centre, some of which include flexible support for business and HM Revenue & Customs Innov8+ Neath Port Talbot Council s Innov8+ provides a range of support and advice on starting, developing and growing a business including: Access to start-up workshops and courses designed to provide practical business skills training; Identifying appropriate funding and support to help an individual apply. Information on business premises; A Start Up information pack tailored to an individual s business needs; Referral to practical workshops, seminars and support, i.e. bookkeeping, customer care skills, winning new business, etc., once trading; Ongoing support as the business develops. The programme provides grant support to cover up to 50% of eligible start up costs up to a maximum of 1,000. All capital costs (with the exclusion of vehicles) are eligible as well as pre-start costs such as stock, overheads and marketing. Funding is subject to the client setting up their business within Neath Port Talbot and successfully completing a recognised start up course UK Steel Enterprise Start-Up Grant The UK Steel Enterprise Start-Up Grant is a grant for businesses up to 24 months old. Grant information includes: Financial assistance for new businesses less than 24 months old based in the Neath Port Talbot County Borough; Eligible costs up to 100%, maximum 500; Primarily aimed at new businesses who are unable to access other sources of funding; Expenditure incurred before grant application is made is ineligible*; The business must provide full-time employment for at least 1 person and the applicant must explain how the grant will have a positive impact on the business; This is a joint initiative between Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council and UK Steel Enterprise Limited. Eligible costs include: 8 Accessed electronically via 9 Accessed electronically via 30

31 Capital equipment; ICT equipment; Development of websites; Marketing; Building works to business premises. *Expenditure incurred prior to grant approval is not eligible for grant funding. Awarding of the grant is at the discretion of Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council Neath Port Talbot Flexible Loan Fund The Neath Port Talbot Flexible Loan Fund assists businesses currently located or intending to locate within the County Borough of Neath Port Talbot. Support covers individuals setting up a new business or an existing business with up to 250 employees investing in viable projects that create, maintain or safeguard jobs. The amount of loan available ranges between 1,000 and 10,000, dependant on the value of the project, although 50% of project costs must be met by the applicant and/or private sector funding. With favourable interest rates, loans to date have been mainly used towards capital expenditure. However, marketing activity, research and development and training has been supported. To help bring about improvements in the local economy, further changes to the criteria have been made to support the following key areas: Loans of up to 5,000 available to support start-up businesses with growth potential; Funding to help businesses increase capacity to meet demand, enter new markets, diversify products and services and provide training to apprentices and trainees; Shorter-term funding to support working capital requirements of businesses facing problems in obtaining bank funding; Support for new businesses to set up book-keeping systems UK Steel Enterprise UK Steel Enterprise Ltd (UKSE) is the wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Steel tasked with the responsibility of helping the economic regeneration of communities affected by changes in the steel industry. The subsidiary works in steel areas across the UK assisting job and wealth creation by supporting small and medium enterprises with finance and premises. Additionally, they assist community initiatives in our areas with both funding and in kind support. If an individual has a well thought out business plan then UKSE may be able to consider investment finance up to 750,000 for developing businesses in South Yorkshire, Humberside & the Midlands, North England, Wales and Scotland Accessed electronically via 11 Accessed electronically via 31

32 3.1.7 Croeserw Community Enterprise Centre The newly opened Croeserw Community Enterprise Centre will respond to the ever changing challenges and demands in the Upper Afan Valley, providing a fit for purpose centre that will offer essential and traditional community activities to the local and wider community, as well as providing local people with the skills, training and entrepreneurial and enterprise opportunities to progress into employment or self employment. There will be various multi use areas of the new centre that will be available for rental by individuals or groups to hold events, classes or meetings Enterprise Learning Forum (ELF) The Neath Port Talbot Enterprise Learning Forum (also known previously as the Neath Port Talbot Young Enterprise Area Board) has been in existence since It brings together representatives from public, education, voluntary and private sectors in Neath Port Talbot to drive forward an Action Plan to ensure that young people aged 5-25 are able to access an enterprise learning experience. Members of the forum deliver a wide range of enterprise learning activities across the county borough - activities which include primary, secondary and further education, support for teachers, enterprise learning in community settings and links with the business support system TrustMark Accreditation Grant Neath Port Talbot Council are working with government endorsed standards organisation TrustMark and specialist accreditation company Diversity, to help local traders meet the required standards of becoming a member. TrustMark protects consumers from rogue traders by helping them find reputable firms to do repair, maintenance and improvement works. A grant of 150 is available (half the cost of initial accreditation) if TrustMark accreditation status is achieved Public Facilities Grant Scheme Businesses across Neath Port Talbot can apply for a grant to open up their toilet facilities to encourage the public to use them. The Public Facilities Grant Scheme will give businesses a one off payment of up to 500 per premises per year Enterprise Finance Guarantee Scheme The Enterprise Finance Guarantee Scheme (EFG) is a government backed scheme that provides funding to appropriate projects if insufficient security is available in business assets 12 Accessed electronically via 13 Accessed electronically via 14 Accessed electronically via 15 Accessed electronically via 32