A new long term strategy is being developed to help people build skills and find work, whatever their background or experience. The aim is to help residents and businesses succeed.
What the plan will do
The strategy includes:
- Support for businesses
Targeted help to support growth and create jobs. - Investment in education
Funding for colleges and training facilities. - Major employment programmes
- Get Staffordshire Working
- Connect to Work, a £19 million programme to help more than 5,300 people into jobs over the next five years
Current position
- 80% of working age residents are in employment
- 82% are economically active
- These figures are higher than the national average
Skills and employment support
Jobs and Careers Service
The Staffordshire Jobs and Careers Service:
- Connects jobseekers with employers
- Offers tailored support through events and campaigns
- Provides help for care leavers and adults facing barriers to work
In 2024 to 2025, the service helped 109 people into paid jobs.
Support for young people
The Careers Hub works with schools and colleges to:
- Improve careers education
- Help young people understand local job opportunities
- Promote future pathways such as apprenticeships and T Levels
New facilities and employer partnerships are helping to develop technical skills in key sectors.
Learning for all ages
- Ignite programme
Teaches students enterprise and entrepreneurship skills - Community Learning
Offers adult courses to improve essential skills and support personal development
Key goals
The county council aims to:
- Reduce the number of people with no formal qualifications
- Close gaps in higher level skills
- Make sure all communities benefit from economic growth
- Work closely with colleges, universities and other councils
Statement from Martin Murray
Martin Murray, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills, said:
Our strategy builds on what we are already doing well. We recognise the need to improve skills for working age people, whatever their experience, qualifications or barriers to work or education.
These actions show our commitment to building a skilled and adaptable workforce.
We want Staffordshire to be a thriving, future ready county that attracts investment, innovation and inclusive growth.
What happens next
- The strategy will be reviewed regularly
- It will be discussed at the Economy, Infrastructure and Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee on Thursday 20 November
