College provides setting for region’s employment strategy launch

A new long-term strategy to help thousands more people across the East Midlands find good jobs, earn more money and live healthier, happier lives has been launched at Derby College Group.

The college’s Roundhouse campus provided the setting for the launch of the Get East Midlands Working Plan, which is being spearheaded by East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward.

The 10-year plan sets out a vision to help more residents across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire access good jobs, develop their skills and enjoy better health and wellbeing.

It focuses on three priorities: effective training and employment support, better partnership working and overcoming wider barriers, including transport, housing and health access.

Mayor Claire said: “The Get East Midlands Working Plan is our commitment to the people of the region that if they step up, we will work across public services to support them in whatever way they need.

“It’s why we are working so closely with our partners in health, skills, employment support, and in the benefits system: life can be complicated, but support shouldn’t have to be.”

The plan has been developed by the Get East Midlands Working Partnership, which brings together the East Midlands Combined County Authority, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), the NHS Integrated Care Boards (ICB) for Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire alongside local councils, employers, colleges, and community organisations.

It builds directly on EMCCA’s Inclusive Growth Plan, which aims to make sure economic growth reaches every community.

Over the next decade, the Get East Midlands Working Plan aims to raise the regional employment rate to 80% by 2035, meaning about 60,000 more people in work. It also aims to support 100,000 local jobs.

Mayor Claire said: “This is about real people, not just statistics. It’s about a mum who wants to return to work but needs childcare, a young person looking for their first chance, or someone recovering from illness who wants to feel confident again.

“These people deserve public services that are in their corner, and this plan shows what that will look like in practice.”

During the recent plan launch at Derby College Group, Mayor Claire heard directly from participants who have successfully completed the SWAP training programme with East Midlands Railway.

Mayor Claire added: “The East Midlands is a region of potential: potential which will only be unlocked if everyone plays their part.

“This is the bedrock of inclusive growth: that everyone’s contribution to our society and economy is valued and respected.”

To find out more about the Get East Midlands Working Plan click here.