Skilled for the future
We want an education system that is truly inclusive, closes the skills gap, helps our young people into a great jobs and supports our older generations in lifelong learning.
Opportunities
Central Bedfordshire is home to a number of world leading companies, many based alongside the globally- leading Cranfield University. There is an opportunity for employers to have more direct involvement in supporting routes to employment.
Identify skills gaps that may exist in the future and target programmes and education early.
Despite the impact of Covid-19 we expect continued economic growth and investment in the region and there will be continued need to access future funding to support jobs growth, strengthening employment pathways and supporting continuous training and development.
Challenges
Central Bedfordshire currently possesses a notable concentration of globally significant, knowledge intensive industries (such as digital technology, high tech engineering and aerospace). If this skill deficit persists, retaining these businesses may prove a challenge.
If the existing skills deficit persists, Central Bedfordshire risks becoming a less attractive place for investment.
Central Bedfordshire is surrounded by larger settlements such as Milton Keynes, Bedford, and well connected to other areas of educational and employment opportunities. There is a continued risk our educated and skilled workforce could seek outside opportunities.
Trends
Teenage education
In 2017, 93.4% of all 16 and 17 year olds were participating in education, employment or training – up by 0.9%compared to the end of January 2016 (92.5%).
A skills deficit
Central Bedfordshire is facing a considerable skills deficit, with 34% of employers reporting that young people are ‘poorly’ prepared for work (higher than the national average).
Existing facilities
18 colleges catering for 16-18 year-olds; meanwhile Cranfield University is the largest provider of post- graduate engineering courses in the UK.
Job-related training
A snapshot of job-related training shows an improving trend, with the number of employees receiving training increasing from 8.1% in March 2014, to 10.5% in March 2016, and 14.4% in March 2018.
As the economy changes, lifelong learning is becoming increasingly important - allowing people to learn and develop throughout their working life.
What we heard
“Ensuring that hard to reach groups have been supported to contribute to the economy.”
“Education that matches technology in the environment to
move learners on to new opportunities.”
“We should add more life skills to the curriculum. ”
