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Consultation process
Kilmacolm and Quarriers Village Community ConversationLearning in the Community
What learning opportunities do you feel are needed in Inverclyde for those who are looking to find work or progress their careers?
What learning opportunities would you like to see provided in your local community centres to help support the health and well-being of Inverclyde residents?
Local Perspective
Inverclyde has a range of challenges which learning in the community could impact upon:
- 18.4% of Inverclyde households are workless compared to 17.8% nationally
- 4.1% of Inverclyde residents are unemployed compared to 3.7% national
- Of those economically inactive 38.7% of those are long term sick compared to 32.7% in Scotland and 27.3% for the UK.
Statistics from NOMIS Stats 2024
- 12.2% of residents do not have a qualification compared to 8% nationally
- 2500 people are out of work in Inverclyde 5% compared to 2.5% nationally
- 75% of learners in ICT services are unemployed
(statistics from UK Government DWP 2020)
- 77% of young adults can complete foundation ICT skills in Scotland compared to 87% across UK
- 39% of adults can complete what is considered essential employment ICT skills compared to Holland which has 83% compliance
Statistics from Digital Education and Skills - A changing nation: how Scotland will thrive in a digital world - gov.scot (www.gov.scot)
- 82% of jobs in Scotland require digital skills
- Jobs requiring digital skills pay on average 29% more than those that do not
- 75% of employers are finding that digital skills are a barrier to finding suitably skills employees
(Statistics from Digital Skills Workforce survey 2022)
x3 individuals feedback from Cargill Centre Café 27/02/2025
Digital / Computer courses within the community centre would be welcome.
Feedback from 1 individual at the Cargill Centre Cafe 27/02/2025
I would like there to be early years education and more learning support classes.
Feedback from 1 individual from Cargill Centre Café 27/02/2025
There are no shops in Quarrier's village but The Health Hub is a great asset.
Feedback from Cargill Centre 27/02/2025
These statistics do not apply to Kilmacolm as a village and would like more information for each locality rather than Inverclyde as a whole.
Whilst at the Cargill Centre café on the 27/02/2025 an attendee made the following comments:
- More classes to teach people British Sign Language/how to engage with people who have hearing issues.
Feedback at the Cargill Centre café 24/02/2025
I think there's probably more provision for employability skills than is realised / known and people won't access them until they are out of work.
Perhaps, review content and marketing of existing provision first and then assess if more required. Many employment skills such as digital are transferrable to non-work life.
In addition, some "lifestyle" learning could be available to support council policies / initiatives. Initiatives such as Net Zero and climate impact, sustainability, community growing, social inclusion. I think many of these types of engagement are left to local communities rather than being council led.
Feedback at the Cargill Centre café 24/02/2025
A job club in the local community centre would be a great idea!
Feedback at the Cargill Centre café 24/02/2025
There should be more opportunities for young people learning trades within our local communities.
Feedback at the Cargill Centre café 24/02/2025
There should be more training opportunities for young people to learn practical trades e.g. plumbing, painting etc. Whilst still at school and being able to access apprenticeships while in school.