Posted on Monday 17th November 2025
Staffordshire Jobs and Careers' Open Door programme team at a careers event in September
A better skilled working population will position Staffordshire as a magnet for investment, innovation and inclusive growth, the county council’s deputy leader has said.
Martin Murray said that a long-term strategy is being developed to increase people’s skills and employability whatever their experience and background. This will ensure residents and businesses can prosper.
The plan includes targeted support for businesses, investment in further education infrastructure, and the rollout of major programmes such as Get Staffordshire Working and the £19 million Connect to Work initiative, which aims to help over 5,300 people into employment over five years.
Staffordshire continues to outperform national averages in employment rates, with 80 per cent of working-age residents in employment and an economic activity rate of 82 per cent.
Staffordshire County Council’s skills programmes will ensure residents and businesses have access to the opportunities and support needed to thrive in a changing economy.
The Staffordshire Jobs and Careers Service connects jobseekers with employers and provides tailored support through events and targeted campaigns. It has helped hundreds into employment and is expanding its reach through new initiatives, including dedicated support for care leavers and adults facing barriers to work. In 2024/25 the service supported 109 people into paid employment.
Working closely with schools and colleges to improve careers education, the Careers Hub ensures young people are well-informed about the local labour market and future pathways. Apprenticeships and T-Level programmes are being strengthened, with new facilities and employer partnerships supporting technical skills development in priority sectors.
A county council college programme – Ignite – teaches entrepreneurship and enterprise skills among students, while the Community Learning programme promotes lifelong learning for adults, offering a wide range of courses to boost essential skills and support personal development.
The county council remains focused on reducing the number of residents with no formal qualifications, closing gaps in higher-level skills, and ensuring all communities benefit from economic growth. The strategy emphasises the importance of close working with colleges, universities and other councils to make the best use of resources.
Martin Murray, Staffordshire County Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for economy and skills, said:
Our strategy builds on current strengths and successes which recognise the ongoing need for increasing work-aged skills – no matter what people’s experience, qualifications or perceived barriers to employment or education.
Together, these actions underpin the county council’s commitment to having a skilled, adaptable workforce ready to seize new opportunities.
We’re making every effort to position Staffordshire as a thriving, future-ready county which is a magnet for investment, innovation, and inclusive growth at the beating heart of the country.”
The Employment and Skills Strategy will be regularly reviewed to ensure it meets the evolving needs of Staffordshire’s residents and businesses.
It will discussed by members of the Economy, Infrastructure and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee at their meeting on Thursday 20 November.