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Consultation process
Greenock East and Central 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)
I spoke with YP from Clydeview Academy & this is their feedback:
Teaching the basics like common sense and life skills would be beneficial.
Loads of jobs asking for experience but not giving young people the experience in order to improve/develop/get the job.
Not getting opportunities to “get experience” for jobs. More work experience opportunities needed.
Less opportunities for 16-17year olds getting jobs/joining the work force/gaining experience.
YP would rather have their learning in an educational establishment & not in a community centre & want to feel more adult like.
Whilst at Cargill Centre on the 27/02/2025 an attendee gave the following feedback:
"A number of years back there were training centres locally. It would be great if this model could be revised and get similar up and running again fully funded by Government. It is important that trainers see a long term future not just a 1 year contract. Locals need to be incentivised to work. Mental health provisions would also play a huge part in giving locals a feel of self worth."
Feedback at Cargill Centre Kilmacolm Cafe 24/02/2025
I think in my area Greenock East there should be more computing skills and job centres.
Mount Kirk Feedback 14/02/2025
- I think there should be more apprenticeships offered in Inverclyde as this is the best way to learn and stay in employment.
- There are not enough opportunities for apprenticeships / school leavers. There should be more funding available for 16 / 17-year-olds to help encourage them and help them seek out these opportunities.
- Adult literacy is probably one of the most difficult areas to impact because of the stigma. There should still be classes or perhaps one-to-one mentoring as I think this would be useful for people. Digital skills are also important and could perhaps be delivered online.
Feedback from participant at Recovery Cafe in Auchmountain Hall:
More courses, especially computing.
Harm prevention - Naloxone, self-defence
Feedback from a participant at the Recovery Cafe at Auchmountain Hall
Learning to count and spell should be a priority - there is concern that folk could be conned out of change as a result of not knowing how to count.
We need a way to understand travel better - public transport timetables are too hard to read
Feedback 23.01.2025
I think there is not enough options for the community to take part and if there is it is not advertised well enough.
I think some people find it hard to access certain opportunities / classes.
Feedback 23.01.2025
Evening learning for those who work during the day would be helpful.
I think there needs to be a more strict process for sickness benefits. There are too many people capable of working, not working, and claiming benefits.
Parklea Branching Out Feedback 23.01.2025
I tried sport in the port but i prefer to stay in the house at night. I have planned activities each day which i attend. I like to use the laptop so perhaps some online learning classes would be very beneficial for me.