Employers to help shape skills growth across Derbyshire
An employer-led board aims to inspire local employers to boost employment and skills opportunities for young people in Derby and Derbyshire.
The D2 Skills & Employment Board (D2 SEB) bridges the gap between the private sector and those delivering the local skills agenda. Set up by the D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and supported by both Derby City Council and Derbyshire County Council, the Board aims to ensure there is appropriate employer ownership and leadership to steer opportunities for local young people. The D2 SEB also works closely with local partnerships to ensure employment and skills activity contributes to local economic growth ambitions.
The Board is chaired by Graham Mullholland from epm: technology group and involves employers from a range of private sector businesses including: Pentaxia, Katapult, Advanced Roofing, One to One Support Services, Toyota, Greenbank Group UK, The Derby Conference Centre, Yews Residential, Bowmer & Kirkland, Federal-Mogul Motorparts, Jurys Inn (East Midlands Airport), Holiday Inn Derby- Riverlights, Signal House Group Ltd, Fairgrove Homes, Brighter Directions and the Arkwright Society. There are also key representative bodies that sit on the board including the city and county councils, DWP, Federation of Small Businesses, East Midlands Chamber, Destination Chesterfield and First Steps.
Graham Mulholland, CEO of epm: technology group, said:-
“It is important that the business community has a voice in shaping the skills agenda, and although the D2 SEB has taken time to form and mature, it is now in a great position to move forward. Our annual report reflects this and business leaders should now be confident to join in and have a voice.”
D2 SEB will focus on four priority sectors; Engineering, Construction, Health & Social Care and Visitor Economy, with an equal focus on Work Readiness.
Councillor Sarah Russell, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills at Derby City Council, said:-
“We’re passionate about improving opportunities for young people in the city to gain new skills and have more employment opportunities. It’s fantastic to have the Derby & Derbyshire Skills and Employment Board so employers are directly involved and pushing this agenda forward.”
An Annual Report has been published for 2015/16 which provides a detailed account of all the key activities achieved in the past year and what the priorities are for the next year.
Councillor Anne Western, Leader of Derbyshire County Council and Cabinet Member for Strategic Policy, Economic Development and Budget, said:-
“The job market is changing all the time so it’s a vital part of our work to make sure our young people are equipped with the most relevant skills and knowledge they need to succeed. Our young people are the ones that will shape the future so it’s important we give them the best opportunities. By working closely with our partners in the Derbyshire Economic Partnership we’ll be to learn from each other about how best to support young people, businesses and local communities.”
