A skilled workforce represents an important tool for local economies to attract investment. We support the development of local employment and skills policies that connect employers with the talent they seek and prepare workers for transitions for the future of work.
Local skills systems connect local employers, workers, government, social and economic partners, universities and training providers to support growth, innovation and better jobs. We support cities and regions in building stronger skills systems where local employers find the talent they seek and individuals have access to life-long learning opportunities.
Local policy makers and practitioners benefit from meeting with their peers on what works and why. We facilitate these exchanges through background research, identifying relevant examples and creating the space for exchange through webinars, workshops and study visits.
The unemployment rates for young people in GCR vary significantly across the region’s eight Local Authorities, the highest being 15% and lowest being 8,1%, and variations exist in the youth’s opportunities to transition into work. Vulnerable young people and those with lower educational attainment are less likely to reach positive destinations such as further or higher education, employment, or volunteering. The City Region and its Local Authorities have taken initiatives to improve youth school-to-work transitions, including through cooperation with local and regional employers. Yet, the take-up of vocational qualifications and work-based activities continues to be low.
Generic ICT skills are sought in a wide range of jobs across sectors and occupations in all OECD countries. However, many vacancies remain unfilled because of a lack of suitably skilled candidates, representing a challenge for local labour markets and a barrier to businesses' innovation and growth. Reducing the digital divide across people and places is among the top priorities in many OECD countries on the national, regional and local levels. In recent years, many cities have developed a digital strategy, while others have included ICT skills in broader city-level initiatives. Successful programmes at the city level build on strong collaboration among local stakeholders, efforts to better connect people with low labour market attachment to employers, the development of ad hoc initiatives for people from disadvantaged communities, and actions to help youth leave education with adequate digital skills.
