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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)
I used to attend Art Classes but don't know of any running in my community and would attend if there was any (Coppermine Warm Spaces 11/02/25) PF
I would like to see more affordable Zumba classes i currently attend one in the community centre but don't know of any other classes (Coppermine Warm Spaces 11/02/25)PF
Gourock library 11.02.2025
There should be access to arts / cultural activities that involve heritage.
Finding / working opportunities for existing employees in the cultural sector to continue professional development.
Gourock library 11.02.2025
More digital classes to help apply for relatable jobs.
There should also be budgeting classes.
I think there should be confidence building classes / workshops. Heritage workshops held in the Gourock library (ancestry and Inverclyde history). Arts and crafts classes.
I would like to see more gentle exercise classes for older people which are affordable or free (Coppermine Your Voice Warm Spaces 09/02/25) PF
Parklea Branching Out 23.01.2025
I would like a bigger range of college courses available physical and online.
Parklea Branching Out feedback 23.01.2025
I think to promote activities there should be higher engagement via social media and this will most likely catch my attention to access the classes available.
Parklea Branching Out feedback 23.01.2025
I have a wide range of planned activities which I attend, both during the day and evenings he is supported to do this by a supported worker.
Feedback at Parklea Branching Out 23.01.2025
There seems to be a real shortage of support for people leaving school and moving in to employment, especially those with ASN etc. More focussed support would be instrumental in assisting and getting more people in to the workforce.
A form of digital learning would be excellent for those who weren't taught this at school, i.e. older residents. Keeping people digitally included would assist with individuals mental health and have a positive impact on their day to day lives, it would also increase their employment opportunities.