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Consultation process
Greenock West and Gourock: 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)
Group of 4 women, Greenock Torpedo Factory Club
I would like to see dressmaking classes.
There are waiting lists for some activities and the cost for the elderly can make them out of reach.
Not enough job opportunities for those that bother to learn
Group of 4 (3 ladies, 1 man) Torpedo Club
Learning is accessible, but there could be more.
Yoga used to be available locally, but not longer on.
Good provision of exercise opportunities for younger folk, but limited for older people.
Group of 4 women (Coppermine)
I would like to update IT skills, but there's nothing available in Gourock.
We could do with less intense exercise classes to suit older or those with mobility issues.
Everyday skills classes, such as baking
Unfortunately due to illness I cant attend any learning classes but I'm sure other people would appreciate more things to learn in the community. (St John's Warm Space 17/02/25) PF
We are very active and attend Lyle Gateway twice a week to play table tennis but would like more of this in Gourock. I also attend the book Club in Gourock Library which i enjoy greatly. (St John's Warm Spaces 17/02/25) PF
I am part of a group called The Shanty Singers and we rehearse once a week but I cant think of anything else that i would attend but the more things available to residents of Gourock will always be beneficial (St Johns Warm Spaces 17/02/2025) PF
Gourock Park Bowling Club 13.02.2025
- I was on an IT course held in the Gourock Library and found it very beneficial and it gave me the confidence and knowledge i needed. I think there should be more opportunities like this.
- I know Branchton and Craigend have courses available but i am never aware of what courses are on. I would like more courses for sign language, health / diabetes awareness.
- I would like the creative writing classes back at Branchton Community Centre.
- Autism awareness, training for the community and community groups, to make our communities more inclusive and understanding.