A new, £1.3 million programme - Essex Year of Opportunity - has been officially unveiled.
The programme will run throughout the next year. Through it, we will help people of all ages increase their skills and broaden their horizons. We want everyone - regardless of their background - to reach their potential and discover the path that's right for them.
A key part of the programme will be improving access to education, training and jobs. We will build on best practice, scale up existing projects and aim to close the gap between employment and education.
Making sure these areas are aligned will benefit both young people and businesses. It will mean young people can gain vital skills and experiences. Schools can access new ways of thinking and partners for their career programmes. Employers will also have the chance to support their future workforce.
Councillor Tony Ball, Cabinet Member for Education Excellence, Lifelong Learning and Employability, said: “The Essex Year of Opportunity is a major milestone and part of our ongoing commitment to encouraging lifelong learning and skills development.
“We have made significant progress through our previous 'Year of' programmes. However, we know there is a still a lot of work to be done. 26% of adults in Essex have low, or no qualifications and there is an above average unemployment rate for young people aged 16 to 25-years-old.
“With significant investment, the Essex Year of Opportunity will tackle this head on. We want to raise aspirations and inspire a love for learning so that everyone in Essex has the chance to succeed regardless of their background.”
Councillor Louise McKinlay, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Cabinet Member for Communities, Economic Growth and Prosperity, said: "Working closely with the Essex business community will be key to the Essex Year of Opportunity. We want to better understand the skills they need from their workforce, now and in the future. We can then align this with local training opportunities and the careers support provided in schools.
"As well as raising people's aspirations, a highly-skilled workforce will contribute to the overall economic growth of Essex. We have previously committed to driving growth by forging strong partnerships and developing policies that promote innovation and address skills shortages. Essex Year of Opportunity is one part of us delivering on that commitment.”
Essex Year of Opportunity launched during a celebratory event at Hylands House in Chelmsford. It follows the success of the Essex Year of Reading and Essex Year of Numbers. Both programmes have resulted in positive outcomes across the county.
Roy Blatchford, independent Chair of Essex Education Taskforce, said: "The Essex Education Task Force was originally set-up to support pupils whose learning had been disrupted by the pandemic. Three years on, we are proud to see how it has grown and what has been achieved through each of the 'Year of' programmes to date. I am so pleased to mark this exciting milestone with the announcement of Essex Year of Opportunity and another significant investment.
"We have seen the impact that targeted work to address key issues in Essex can truly have. I am excited for the coming year and urge people of all ages to get involved and take advantage of the opportunities that will be on offer."
Activities, projects and initiatives will take place throughout the Essex Year of Opportunity. These will give individuals the skills, inspiration and knowledge needed for future success.
Find out more about Essex Year of Opportunity and how to get involved.
