The Minister for Employment, Mims Davies MP visited Plymouth earlier this week to find out more about the work a city-wide partnership is doing to support residents into work, training and education through Skills Launchpad Plymouth.
Led by Plymouth City Council, in collaboration with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), Skills Launchpad Plymouth is a city wide partnership supporting those who are facing redundancy, job seeking or changing careers through the Adult Hub and offering targeted support for young people aged 16 to 24 years through the Youth Hub.
As part of a visit to the region the Minister requested to visit the Youth Hub to see how young people are being supported with skills, training, education, careers and jobs.
Since opening, between February 2021 and February 2022, Youth Hub Plymouth has supported 299 young people, with 239 transitions into employment, education and/ or training. A number of young people have also taken steps towards these key transitions by engaging in various employability, mental health and claimant support interventions.
Since March 2022, a further 87 young people have been supported with individual skills action plans and continue to receive ongoing help from the Youth Hub team.
Deputy Leader of the Council Councillor Mark Shayer said: “I’m absolutely delighted that the Minister for Employment has come to visit our Youth Hub to see first-hand how this fantastic partnership is supporting our residents and to celebrate the positive impact of supporting over 380 young people including those with additional support needs.
“The intention of our Skills Journey through the Launchpad is to put the individual at the heart – recognising that not one size fits all. We offer an ethical and inclusive front door for both claimants and non-claimants, designed to help residents make independent and informed skills and training choices, leading to better access to real employment opportunities. This is unique in the UK and a model that works!”
Minister for Employment, Mims Davies MP said: “It was great to be in Plymouth today to see the skills and employment support we’re providing people at all ages, and all career stages, to get into work and earning money.
“Whether you’re a young person getting your first role, or an adult facing potential redundancy, taking that first step on a new career ladder can be daunting without the right support.
“Through our DWP Youth Hubs and Jobcentres, we’re giving people the tailored support they need to seize the job opportunities on their doorstep, and boost the local economy in Plymouth, and we’ve already got hundreds into local roles and progressing.”
Skills Launchpad Plymouth is supported by Barclays Plymouth at their Armada Way branch, delivering face-to-face coordinated services for young people and adults, along with a range of engagement activities on site and out in the community.
The Minister was also present for the signing of the new strategic partnership agreement ‘Keep Plymouth Working’ between the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and Plymouth City Council which aims to tackle social inequality and the barriers to jobs and opportunities. This new agreement sets out the principles of the partnership working between DWP and the Council, as well as the priority cohorts and work programmes that will be the focus for delivery to realise the ambition for Plymouth to be a modern, vibrant and sustainable city to live, work and visit. The agreement will act as a mechanism to identify emerging issues at the earliest opportunity and to ensure that strategic priorities are aligned.
Kate Curtis, Service Leader for Devon and Cornwall DWP said: “I’m incredibly proud to sign the Strategic Partnership Agreement between Plymouth City Council and DWP. Our Partnership Strategy sets out the future context for joint working to support communities, tackling social inequality, labour market, employment and skills across Plymouth. It brings together our two key public sector organisations, aligning mutual strategic priorities to maximise employment outcomes.
“This is building our economy by developing the right skills for residents and businesses to thrive, whilst creating opportunities for career development and progression that support our future ambitions and emerging sectors - making Plymouth a modern, vibrant city to live, work and visit. I couldn’t be more proud to be working in partnership with Plymouth City Council on this.”