Purpose
This plan supports Staffordshire’s aim to attract investment, encourage innovation, and grow the economy in a fair way.
We focus on:
- helping people get good jobs
- supporting career development
- promoting lifelong learning
- building the right facilities and services
This will help residents earn more and give businesses the skilled workforce they need.
The plan supports the county’s Economic Strategy, with a focus on talent, skills, and inclusive growth.
1. Get Staffordshire Working
Objective
Help more residents find good jobs, progress in their careers, and increase their earnings.
Key actions
- Lead and support the Get Staffordshire & Stoke-on-Trent Working Plan
- Deliver the Connect to Work Programme, helping over 3,300 residents into jobs
- Expand the Staffordshire Jobs & Careers (SJC) service as a single contact point for jobseekers and employers
- Work closely with DWP, Jobcentre Plus, and employers to increase job opportunities and reduce unemployment
- Provide targeted support for people not currently working, including:
- care leavers
- people with mental health challenges
- people with disabilities
- Run marketing campaigns to encourage employers to offer jobs and placements
2. Inspire Careers and Skills Development
Objective
Help people understand their career options and gain real-world experience so they can make informed decisions and stay in Staffordshire.
Key actions
- Expand the Careers Hub to support more young people, especially those facing disadvantage
- Increase opportunities for:
- workplace experiences
- employer engagement with teachers
- Support young people who are not in education, employment, or training (NEET), and those with EHCPs, through programmes such as New Avenues
- Promote local career opportunities to retain graduates and attract talent back to the area
- Develop clear career pathways in key sectors, including:
- digital
- green industries
- health
- logistics
3. Promote Lifelong Learning
Objective
Encourage a culture of lifelong learning to support wellbeing, resilience, and stronger communities.
Key actions
- Deliver the Community Learning Framework and Multiply Programme to improve:
- maths
- English
- digital skills
- Offer flexible learning to support:
- job readiness
- wellbeing
- community involvement
- Increase participation in adult learning, especially for people with few or no qualifications
- Create clear progression routes into further education, apprenticeships, and jobs
- Support parents and carers to take part in learning that benefits their families
4. Build the Right Learning Infrastructure
Objective
Ensure Staffordshire has the buildings, partnerships, and services needed to meet current and future skills demands.
Key actions
- Make a strong case to Government for investment in further education, including new college buildings
- Support the rollout of the Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire Institute of Technology (IoT)
- Increase take-up of apprenticeships and T Levels, especially in key sectors
- Work with networks such as:
- the Staffordshire Ladder
- Apprentice Ambassador Network
- Align training with the Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) and Growth and Skills Levy
- Expand the Ignite programme to support innovation and entrepreneurship from school to college
Delivery and Monitoring
Key principles
Digital and green skills
- Include digital and sustainability skills across all areas
Inclusive growth
- Make sure everyone can benefit, regardless of their background or where they live
Partnership working
- Work with colleges, universities, employers, and local authorities to deliver shared goals
Performance monitoring
- Track progress using clear measures (KPIs)
- Review progress each year to improve delivery