Tees Valley Combined Authority on Friday launched its strategy ‘Inspiring Our Future’ to transform Education, Employment and Skills in the area with an aim to make 133,000 jobs available in Tees Valley by 2024.
The Strategy, which is now open for public consultation, outlines the key issues and priorities within Education, Employment and Skills.
Over the next four years it will look to raise skills levels to help attract new businesses to the area and provide support to local people to access these jobs.
The proposals would see an overhaul and expansion of careers education, creating a Tees Valley Careers initiative that will bring together schools and colleges with local employers to provide the best opportunities for young people entering the world of work.
Despite the challenges, Tees Valley is looking forward with great positivity, with school performance up by 15% in the last four years and employment levels rising at a rate higher than the national average.
The strategy builds on these positives and it reflects the new powers, funding and responsibilities secured by the Tees Valley Combined Authority in the Devolution Deal, to allow for locally led decision making on key issues such as skills and education.
In total the Combined Authority has an identified investment of over £100 million for employment and skills related activity and, in close partnership with local businesses, will ensure that this funding adds value and spurs innovation to address long-standing barriers to opportunity.
Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “I am driving an ambitious Plan for Growth that will see thousands of jobs created over the coming years.
“It’s vital our local residents are equipped with the right skill set to take on these challenging and rewarding roles, that’s why we are setting out a vision that changes the way we look at skills and increases a closer with business and education.
“With powers and resources devolved to us from central government we have an exciting opportunity to deliver real change and help get even more people into jobs.”
Councillor Christopher Akers-Belcher, Tees Valley Cabinet Members for Education, Employment and skills said: “We recognise the challenges we face and we have a unique opportunity to work in partnership with local businesses, schools, colleges and independent providers to make sure we have the right skills for the future.
“By working closely we will deliver a coordinated, collaborative education and skills system that will meet the needs of our people and businesses and establish Tees Valley as one of the best places in the country to learn and work.”
The draft Strategy document is available for comment at www.teesvalley-ca.gov.uk/skillsconsultation local people and businesses are urged to submit their views either on the website or by emailing consultation@teesvalley-ca.gov.uk