The Learning & Skills Manager introduced the report to Members explaining that plenty of employers enjoy assisting with work experience and evidence could be seen by the number of work experience placements and apprenticeships taking place.

It was explained to the Committee that the Council had been approached by local schools and academies   regarding the processes in place for work experience placements. Members were notified that all schools within the borough were engaging with work experience placements and forming partnerships with Thurrock Council.

Members were advised that the key achievement of the scheme was to ensure that young people had high quality and safe work experience placements. As it developed, it would fund itself as schools were buying into the council’s scheme. It was also noted that employers who employed young people for work experience placements were impressed and the scheme was encouraged not only at a local government level but also nationally.

The Youth Cabinet Representative addressed the Committee, expressing that in his opinion work experience was fundamental for young people within Thurrock. He continued to inform Members that it gave young people the opportunity to try out career choices. It was also explained that should work experience take place within the retail sector for example, it was easier for those young people to find work as it enabled them to have experience of the working environment.

The Chair of the Committee explained that she was in agreement with the recommendations to hold a Task and Finish Group, regarding work experience. She continued to inform the Committee that she felt that there should be two representatives from the Youth Cabinet sitting on the Task and Finish panel.

Through discussions Members agreed that the Task and Finished Group should be made up of five elected Members and two representatives from the Youth Cabinet. It was also agreed there was a lot for Thurrock to offer young people in the way of work experience from experience of hands on work to working within different teams at Council and even the Royal Opera House. 

Members were informed that as part of the scheme officers and schools were working with young people offering them information, advice and guidance as well as speaking with young people to find out what they wanted to achieve. It was queried as to how many work experience placements were currently undertaken by Thurrock Council. Officers advised the Committee that the council currently had approximately 65 work placements per year. These roles could be with a variety of the directorates.

RESOLVED:

1.         That the work already undertaken and the achievements over the last year in the development of a traded offer, supporting both employers and educational institutions, be noted.

2.         That a Task and Finish group be established to identify further opportunities to support pathways into work for young people – with a view to addressing some of the sector specific opportunities locally.

3.         That the Task and Finish group consist of five Members, appointed in accordance with political proportionality.

4.         That the scope and terms of reference of the Task and Finish group be agreed, as outlined in draft in appendix 1.