Councillor Halden accepted the role of Chair of the Pathways into Work for Young People Review panel.

There were no items of urgent business.

There were no declarations of interest; however Councillor Halden informed those present that his sister was a member of the William Palmer Trust.

The draft terms of reference are attached for the Panel’s agreement.

Members noted the terms of reference.

RESOLVED:

That Members of the Supporting Pathways into Work for Young People Review agree the terms of reference as set out within the agenda.

The Panel are asked to consider and discuss any issues arising from the information pack, provided separately to the agenda.

The Chair of the Review Panel lead the discussion, informing those present that the idea to carry out an in-depth piece of work was thought of by the late Councillor Hale. It was explained that the Task and Finish Group was agreed at the November meeting of the Children’s Services Overview and Scrutiny Committee and it was felt that it was important to have Members of the Youth Cabinet involved as they could provide firsthand accounts as to the work placements they had experienced.

Members carried on with discussions and panel considered Logistical issues, for example it was mentioned that Ensign Bus produced a student travel card and communication skills, it was discussed how unfortunately it seemed that young people lacked written communication skills which ended up with bad grammar.   The Panel thanked officers for the work put into producing the information pack, however asked that financial information be included within any further reports as it mentioned within the pack that some work placements may occur a charge.

During discussions the Review Panel was informed of the work that Palmers Sixth Form College do to support their students, once students left the college, staff at Palmers contact students to find out what they are doing since leaving college, whether it was confirming the university they had been accepted into or the job they have secured.

It was agreed by all, that work placements needed to be meaningful, so that students actually learned as to whether they felt the career choice was for them and were not just required to carry out filling jobs. The Panel further discussed challenges that they may face and it was highlighted that it was important to manage the skills that students and young people learnt to enable them to transfer their skills into the work place.

The Assistant Principal of Palmers Sixth Form College informed the Panel that the College held career fairs, where they invite local business as well as law firms based in London. Members were advised that students were encouraged to stop, talk and engage with people from the different firms to gain a better understanding of what they could expect from working within the different industries.

RESOLVED:

That Members noted the Information Pack.

The Panel should agree a date to hold the witness day and identify those groups it wishes to attend.

The Review Panel discussed the possibility of holding two witness sessions, one for employers to see the skills that they require from young people joining the work place and the second with educators to find out what skills are being taught to young people.

Members highlighted the businesses and educators they wished to contact, to explain as to what it was they were investigating and to seek feedback as to what they do. The organisations were:

·         Port of Tilbury

·         High House Production Park

·         DP World

·         Lakeside

·         Palmers Sixth Form College

·         Gable Hall

·         The Gateway Academy

·         Grays Convent Secondary School

·         Ockendon Academy 

RESOLVED:

That the Chair of the Review Panel writes to local businesses and schools to seek feedback as to work placements.