Agenda item

To receive an update from Officers on Stevenage Works and the Skills Agenda since the completion of the Committee’s review in January 2025.

The Committee received an update on the previous review of Stevenage Works and the Skills Agenda, which had been completed in January 2025. Members were advised that the initiative had continued to develop through partnership working with North Hertfordshire College, local schools, businesses and contractors involved in the regeneration programme.

It was noted that Stevenage Works operated through the Council and formed part of the wider procurement and partnership arrangements, with contractors expected to support local skills and employment opportunities across the town.

Members discussed the work being undertaken to address local skills gaps, including adult skills, apprenticeships and pathways into professional qualifications. Officers highlighted work with North Hertfordshire College and the University of Hertfordshire, including opportunities in sectors such as childcare and early years.

Members also discussed young people who were not in education, employment or training (NEET), and were advised that work with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) was underway to better understand the cohort, barriers to employment and the potential development of a Youth Hub in the town.

The Portfolio Holder for Economy, Skills and Young People discussed the Council’s work experience and apprenticeship opportunities, and discussions took place regarding efforts to reach young people who may lack existing networks or direction.

Members also considered the promotion of positive success stories through the Youth Council and Mission 44, however discussions took place regarding concerns about inappropriate online comments directed towards young people. Officers confirmed that the promotion of positive achievements remained important while recognising the need to protect young people online.

Members discussed careers advice and were advised that existing resources, including the Hertfordshire Futures Opportunity Portal, were being promoted locally. The need for greater access to careers advice for adults considering a career change was also raised, with officers noting that this was being considered through the adult skills work with North Hertfordshire College.

The Committee was advised that the local skills strategy was being aligned with the Hertfordshire Economic Strategy and that partnership working with employers remained a key priority. This included engagement with larger businesses such as Airbus and support for SMEs through WENTA and the Council’s business centre.

Members also discussed the economic pressures facing businesses, including rising costs, and were advised that developing local skills and ensuring businesses could access an appropriately skilled workforce formed an important part of supporting Stevenage’s wider economy.

In response to a question from the Chair, the Portfolio Holder explained that the Council supported SME’s through a range of initiatives, including business advice and guidance on funding and grants for local businesses. The Council was also working to maintain and improve its industrial units to improve energy efficiency and reduce operating costs for businesses. It was also working with local colleges, schools and employers, to develop skills, promote STEM careers and create pathways into employment.

Members welcomed the progress made and commended the work undertaken through Stevenage Works and the Skills Agenda, while highlighting the importance of continuing to monitor the number of young people who were not in education, employment or training.