BETWEEN April 2018 and March 2019 there were 23,400 economically inactive people in Northampton alone. According to official labour market statistics, 10,200 of these people want to get back into employment.
Figures show there are over 11,700 local jobs open for applications on Indeed. So why aren’t these people back in employment? Reasons vary from skills, confidence and lack of relevant experience.
At the South East Midlands Local Enterprise Partnership (SEMLEP), we are committed to connecting the dots and bridging the skills gap local employers tell us we have.
How will we do this, you ask? Through our growing people initiative.
We’re working in partnership to build and develop a talent pipeline of people with the attributes and skills required for our modern, dynamic and competitive economy. We facilitate an employer-led approach to skills development, provision and labour market information. We also run grant and business support programmes to help steer investment into this work.
SEMLEP’s Community Grants programme has already started benefiting the Northampton community. The programme, launched in April this year, offers grant funding from £10,000 to £20,000 to VCSE organisations to deliver local projects which support local people to develop the skills and attributes required to successfully secure training or employment.
Four Northampton-based organisations were awarded funding in the first round and have started delivering local projects that make a real difference to people’s lives.
* Brookside Hub’s Access to Work programme, working in partnership with Starbucks and Regus, provides training and employment opportunities for adults with learning disabilities or learning difficulties.
* Brighter Futures, delivered by Diverse FM Community Media & Training, delivers a range of soft skill training, qualifications, and vocational training to people experiencing poverty and social injustices.
* Breaking Down the Barriers – The Road to Success, delivered by Diversiti UK Learning and Development, is combatting the negative impact of unemployment by building individuals’ confidence and self-esteem with therapeutic arts and music therapy sessions.
* Staying in the Game, delivered by Northampton Town FC Community Trust, runs a number of tailored sessions for people aged 19-plus with autism to help move them closer to work or education, based on their individual needs.
The Community Grants programme funded by the European Social Fund and Education and Skills Funding Agency, is currently accepting applications from VCSE organisations who want to support local people and make a difference.
For more information visit www.semlep.com/community-grants/