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A celebration of careers guidance in the North East this National Careers Week

Michelle Rainbow, Skills Director at the North East LEP, shares her thoughts on the importance of quality careers education in schools and colleges – something the North East LEP has been championing in our region through North East Ambition.

Good careers guidance has the power to change lives. It transforms students’ futures, from better attainment in school to social mobility, with broader horizons and raised aspirations. It can help improve outcomes for all young people, regardless of their starting points or backgrounds.

As we mark the start of National Careers Week 2024, I am proud to reflect on, and celebrate, the amazing careers guidance work happening right across our region, and the important role it has in helping young people prepare for the world of work.

Often, it can be the case that the amount of hard work and effort our schools and colleges put in to prepare their young people through careers education, sadly goes unrecognised.

So, I would like to take this opportunity to highlight the incredible skill and dedication of our careers leaders, as without them we would not have made such a vast amount of progress over recent years.

A Landscape of Impact

Today, North East Ambition (NEA) works with more than 190 secondary schools and colleges spanning the seven Local Authorities in the North East. These schools and colleges are achieving an average of 5.2 out of 8 Good Careers Guidance Benchmarks. Considering the Benchmarks only became part of statutory guidance in 2018, that is no mean feat!

In primary education, NEA works closely with 375 schools, pioneering a national pilot to embed careers-related learning, and build careers aspiration and inspiration from an early age.

Recognising the unique challenges faced by SEND students, we’re working with Careers Leads across our region’s SEND schools and together, have developed dedicated projects and resources, working to ensure more employers recognise the value SEND students can bring to their organisations.

When it comes to promoting technical education as a route into a rewarding career, we have led on regional activity to ensure students at school leaving age are informed about traineeships, apprenticeships, T-Levels, further/higher education, and other academic and vocational routes to employment.

For example, the North East is a national leader in the provision of T Levels, which offer a mix of classroom and on the job learning and are the equivalent to three A Levels.  We’ve seen a remarkable 577% growth in T Level learners since 2022 and a 467% increase in T Level industry placement providers across the LEP area. Our role in supporting schools to understand the local post-16 T Level offer is crucial, as is our collaboration with employers to highlight the benefits of offering T Level placements.

Pioneering Initiatives

Careers guidance doesn’t just happen in the classroom, and we are immensely proud of the work we have undertaken with regional partners to ensure that each and every young person can have access to information about the world of work and the opportunities that could be theirs.

Our Enterprise Advisor Network embeds business leaders into secondary schools and colleges to help shape the delivery of careers education and create invaluable connections between education and the business world. More than 200 business leaders are enrolled on the programme, representing a diverse range of industries key to the North East.

We were delighted to lead The Mentoring Project, which was launched last year to help young people involved with the Youth Justice Service (YJS) to raise their aspirations.

The pilot matched a group of YJS young people with employers to provide opportunities to learn about the type of skills and behaviours valued in the workplace and to introduce them to positive employer role models.

Our Teacher Encounters programme provides teachers, both current and trainees, with insights into the local labour market, which they can then use in the classroom to relate curriculum learning to careers.

We recently supported the Young Apprenticeship Ambassadors Network to train young apprentices to visit schools and colleges to share their stories and inspire the next generation with their firsthand experiences.

These initiatives and collaborations are transforming the career trajectories of young people throughout the North East.  Thanks to this work, our young people are now more aware of the career opportunities available across the region, the routes into them, and the skills and expertise employers need.

Going forward and with the continued hard work and dedication of partners and careers leaders, we envisage an even deeper focus on careers education in our region, continuing to build an environment where the understanding of career opportunity and development is seamlessly integrated into the educational fabric. We have already achieved so much and now is the time to continue our important work and ensure all learners can reach their potential.

National Careers Week is a fantastic opportunity to share some of the amazing work taking place across the North East LEP region to educate and inform young people about the career opportunities available to them.  Each day we’ll highlight some of the programmes and initiatives led by the North East LEP, and those by our partners in education and industry, that are helping young people make more informed choices about their future.

Join the conversation on social media using #NCW2021 and visit www.nationalcareersweek.com to discover more.

For more information about North East Ambition, visit www.northeastambition.co.uk

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North East LEP reaction to ONS regional labour market statistics

The North East Local Enterprise Partnership’s Chief Executive, Helen Golightly OBE, has commented on today’s regional labour market statistics, released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS).

The release includes quarterly data for the North East region for the three-month period March to May 2023. The region includes the North East LEP area and Tees Valley.

Helen Golightly OBE, Chief Executive of the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (North East LEP), said:

“These figures show a continuation of the good news from last month, with our region’s unemployment rate falling at the fastest rate in the country, and remaining below the UK average, while our economic inactivity rate is also falling. All together this means there are nearly 55,000 more people in work in the region than a year ago.

“Our employment rate is still low, but improvement has meant it now matches that of London at 74.5% of the working age population, while our unemployment rate is the joint third lowest in England, matching the North West and beaten only by the South West and the East Midlands.

“But, it’s important for us to remember these headline figures are just a snapshot and there is plenty of work still to be done. While our employment rate for women matches the English average, employment amongst North East men is far below average. Equally, despite the progress we’ve made, our economic inactivity figure is still the highest in England.

“A tight labour market with low unemployment also brings different challenges for employers, and can make it difficult to find the right talent for their teams. At the LEP we’ll stay focused on working with our partners to deliver more and better jobs across the region, because it’s only through that collaboration and laser focus that we can improve the environment for businesses in the region.

“We need to work together to get people back into the labour market, and address big issues like skills shortages, the health of our workforce, and unlocking the economic potential of the pursuit of net zero.”

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Applications invited for new role leading the North East’s transition to net zero.

Rob Hamilton, Chief Economist at the North of Tyne Combined Authority, and Helen Golightly, Chief Executive at the North East Local Enterprise Partnership,  invite applications for an exciting new role leading the North East’s transition to net zero.

Are you an outstanding professional with experience in delivering net zero projects? Are you passionate about the assets and opportunities that the North East has in energy and the contribution our region could make to national and global challenges and opportunities?

Then you could be the person we’re looking for – to play a major role in shaping the future of our region.  

We’re looking to appoint a Principal Officer for Low Carbon Growth and Net Zero. This is an exciting and challenging role that will provide the leadership, vision and direction for the North East region at a critical and exciting time as we race to meet our net zero targets and move towards a new mayoral combined authority in May 2024.  

If you are wondering why, you should join our team – here’s a few reasons…

A Net Zero Hotspot

As a region, we are committed to delivering net zero and we have already achieved a huge amount. A recent report by the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU), with analysis provided by CBI Economics and the DataCity, identified the North East as a net zero economy hotspot.

Net Zero North East England is a newly formed partnership across our seven local authorities the public, private and voluntary, community and social enterprise sector. Its purpose is to celebrate and champion net zero opportunities and successes in our region. We’re using the strength of partnership to enable change through increased innovation, improvements to our skills agenda, active prospecting for new public and private investment, and by providing open access data and evidence.

The successful candidate would have the opportunity to drive forward the vision for this partnership, with the support of a small executive team.

We have the skills, talent – and region-wide commitment – alongside the heritage and varied landscapes required to take on the challenge of net zero and, with your help, we’re ready to grasp the economic opportunity it provides.

Our Region’s Strengths

The North East boasts many assets and opportunities that were recently highlighted by the Rt Hon Chris Skidmore in his independent review of net zero, including:

  • The 27,000 additional jobs the North East will likely benefit from by 2050 as part of the transition to net zero
  • The North East experiencing the largest reduction in CO2 emissions from 2005 to 2020
  • The transition to net zero delivering £1.9 billion of gross value to the North East economy by 2050.
  • Opportunities to support the quadrupling of the UK’s offshore wind capacity, alongside the critical role which will be played by Nissan in Sunderland, and its supply chain, in supporting the country’s transition to  zero emission vehicles

Seize the Opportunity

In this role, you will be responsible for driving forward the regional strategy to seize opportunities in offshore wind, including the North East’s share of 40,000 jobs linked to the UK’s growth of offshore wind and carbon capture, usage and storage (CCUS).

There’s also lots of exciting things happening in our region as we pioneer new low carbon heat technologies including river source heat networks, geothermal heat from mine workings and hydrogen for heat.

The North East is the best place to test emerging energy innovations in the UK. The North East Energy Catalyst unites the region’s energy innovation and demonstration organisations, making it easy for SMEs, investors and government to access them.

As Principal Officer for Low Carbon Growth and Net Zero, you would have the opportunity to lead and shape all of these opportunities.

North East England – a great place to work and live

If you’re looking for a flexible approach to work, we will be operating on a hybrid model, so we would be open to discussing this with you. However, if you are looking to relocate here, then that’s great too. 

Our region is rich in culture, history, world heritage sites and dramatic countryside and coastal landscapes – all within easy reach of Newcastle International Airport.

From vibrant cities, to stunning coastal walks, once you’ve experienced what life in the North East has to offer, you’ll never want to live anywhere else.

We pride ourselves on being friendly and inclusive, so you’d be assured of a warm welcome as you help put the North East at the heart of the UK’s low carbon economy. And our flexible approach allows employees to have a great work-life-balance, with your wellbeing at its heart.

If you think you have what it takes to take on this exciting role and want to work with our dedicated and supportive team in one of the best places in the UK, apply now here.

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North East LEP reaction to ONS regional labour market statistics

The North East Local Enterprise Partnership’s Chief Executive, Helen Golightly OBE, has commented on today’s regional labour market statistics, released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The data updates on key indicators within the Strategic Economic Plan.

Today’s release includes quarterly data for the North East region (for the period October to December 2022). The region includes the North East LEP area and Tees Valley.

Helen Golightly OBE, Chief Executive of the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (North East LEP), said: “The data released today takes us to the end of 2022, and shows there was rapid slowing in the labour market in the North East in the three months before Christmas, after previous progress across the year. The North East was not alone in this trend, with other regions seeing similar patterns. A distinctive feature of this data is the relative decline in the position of men, with many leaving the labour force over the year, whilst women’s employment increased. 

“We remained at the bottom of the table for overall employment and unemployment rates. Although the formal unemployment rate fell, our ongoing concern about people leaving the labour force altogether was reinforced as we saw the third highest increase in the working age inactivity rate over the year amongst the nine English regions.

“This is likely an indication of the ongoing pressures in the economy given the impact of higher costs of living, and follows on from the data we reported in the previous month’s figures showing a drop off in demand for goods and services amongst consumers, and for labour amongst smaller businesses. 

“Looking at some of the key points of detail, compared with the same period in 2021, total North East employment increased by 9,400 and unemployment was 14,600 lower. However, working age economic inactivity in the region was about 16,600 higher. Much of the increase in employment was amongst people aged over 65. 

“Other experimental regional labour market estimates by age group suggest that in the North East, compared to a year earlier, the largest increases in employment have been among women aged 25 to 34 and 50 to 64, whilst the largest decreases have been among males aged 25 to 34 and 35 to 49. Meanwhile, the largest increases in inactivity have been among men aged 35 to 49 and 50 to 64, and among women aged 16 to 24, while there has been a large increase in unemployment among males aged 25 to 34.”

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North East LEP reaction to ONS regional labour market statistics

The North East Local Enterprise Partnership’s Chief Executive, Helen Golightly OBE, has commented on today’s regional labour market statistics, released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The data updates on key indicators within the Strategic Economic Plan.

Today’s release includes quarterly data for the North East region (for the period September to November 2022). The region includes the North East LEP area and Tees Valley.

Helen Golightly OBE, Chief Executive of the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (North East LEP), said: “The data released today shows that there has been an annual growth in employment of 1% and quarter increase of 0.4%. Whilst the North East remained at the bottom of the tables for overall employment and unemployment rates, we saw the second largest annual improvement in both these indicators amongst the nine English regions.

“We are seeing more people coming out of economic inactivity and into the labour market, with similar numbers finding work and moving to unemployed status, and actively seeking employment. 

“This is probably an indication of the impact of higher costs of living with inflation at its highest level in recent years and people feeling the need to find ways of increasing their income.

“We can also see a drop off in demand for goods and services and for labour amongst businesses, particularly in smaller businesses. The latest regional vacancies data shows that online job adverts in the North East are only 5% higher than their pre-COVID benchmark, compared to 31% higher in November 2022. This indicates a declining confidence amongst businesses in the recruitment of new staff and will likely have contributed to an increase in those claiming out of work benefits in December.

“At this time, when people and businesses are focused on the cost of living and costs of doing business, it is notable that PAYE data released today saw pay rises averaging 6.4%. This was failing to keep pace with inflation caused by price increases in products including food and energy, which in real life terms sees a further net drop in incomes of 2.6% for the third quarter in a row. Private sector pay growth nationally was running at 7.2% compared with just 3.3% in the public sector.

“As we progress through the winter, the cost of living will continue to be an issue of concern for residents and employers and is likely to continue to impact on sectors of the economy which rely on discretionary spending. For example, entertainment and transport were the sectors which had seen the largest decline in employment in this quarter.”

Access all the latest labour market information on the North East Evidence Hub.

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North East LEP reaction to ONS regional labour market statistics

The North East Local Enterprise Partnership’s Chief Executive, Helen Golightly OBE, has commented on today’s regional labour market statistics, released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The data updates on key indicators within the Strategic Economic Plan. Today’s release includes quarterly data for the North East region (for the period April to June 2022). The region includes the North East LEP area and Tees Valley.

Helen Golightly OBE, Chief Executive of the North East Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “The data released today shows little change from the position last month. There has been a small increase in the working age employment rate over the last quarter, but a small decline in total employment for all age groups. More working age people have joined the labour force and are looking for work, which has led to a small rise in the unemployment rate, alongside a slightly larger decrease in the economic inactivity rate.

“Nationally, the labour market appears to be slowing. There is some evidence of a decline in the high rate of vacancies in the economy, with a particular impact on recruitment amongst small businesses employing fewer than 50 people.

“But the main focus at the moment will be on standards of living. PAYE data which has been released today, shows that the region’s median employee pay continues to increase at a similar rate to nationally, at a time when costs of living in areas like energy and food are increasing, leading to a real terms decrease in regular pay of about 3%. 

“We can surmise that the relatively static situation in the labour force is caused by ongoing uncertainty in the economy, with employers and employees waiting to see how the economic situation changes and how public policy develops in response. Without intervention, we can expect a difficult economic situation for local communities and businesses over the coming months with increasing prices impacting on costs, investment and employment.” 

Access all the latest labour market information on the North East Evidence Hub.

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North East LEP reaction to ONS regional labour market statistics

The North East Local Enterprise Partnership’s Strategy and Policy Director, Richard Baker, has commented on today’s regional labour market statistics, released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The data updates on key indicators within the Strategic Economic Plan. Today’s release includes quarterly data for the North East region (for the period March to May 2022). The region includes the North East LEP area and Tees Valley. 

Richard Baker, Strategy and Policy Director at the North East Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “The data released today shows that recent employment trends in the North East region have continued to improve, with an additional 11,600 people in employment compared to the previous quarter and a larger increase in the employment rate than nationally. 

“The statistics also show a decrease in the region’s economic inactivity rate during the last quarter that is larger than nationally, and a continuing high level of labour market demand. However, there remains a challenge to ensure the North East labour market is working for all age groups with younger and older workers not securing employment at the same rate as other groups.

“PAYE data shows that the region’s median employee pay is increasing at a similar rate to nationally (up by 5.3% in the year to May 2022), which is faster than the pre-COVID trend, but tracking below inflation.

“Whilst it’s encouraging to see positive changes continue into this quarter, our economy continues to face challenges, particularly around the tightness of the labour market for employers and cost of living for residents. We can expect continuing volatility over the coming months and there will continue to be a need for support for business in navigating these headwinds and for families and communities facing increasing prices.”

Home / Employment

North East LEP reaction to ONS regional labour market statistics

The North East Local Enterprise Partnership’s chief executive, Helen Golightly OBE, has commented on today’s regional labour market statistics, released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). Today’s release includes quarterly data for the North East region (for the period February to April 2022). The region includes the North East LEP area and Tees Valley.

Helen Golightly OBE, chief executive of the North East Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “The data released today paints a slightly more positive picture than the last month with an additional 10,500 people in employment. We have seen improvement in the employment rate across the country and it’s encouraging to see the North East moving at a slightly quicker rate than the national average in this period.

“Older and younger men and women of all ages were the groups who re-entered the labour market during this quarter.

“We should however approach this month’s data with caution as the labour market remains volatile as the economy faces significant challenges with large increases in inflation and the cost of living continuing to rise. It is likely that these factors will have an impact on the labour market in months to come and we must continue to monitor these changes closely and respond accordingly.”

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North East LEP reaction to ONS regional labour market statistics

The North East Local Enterprise Partnership’s chief executive, Helen Golightly OBE, has commented on today’s regional labour market statistics, released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). 

Today’s statistical release includes quarterly data for the North East region (for the period December 2021 to February 2022). The region includes the North East LEP area and Tees Valley Combined Authority area.

Also included in the release are statistics for the North East LEP area and its local authorities for the calendar year of 2021. 

Helen Golightly OBE, chief executive of the North East Local Enterprise Partnership, said: “This month’s figures show the position in the North East economy is largely unchanged from the last quarter.  

“There has been a recent small increase in the number of people working in the region, with about 2,300 more people in employment than in the previous quarter, and there was also a decrease of 4,900 in unemployment. However, the working age employment rate has fallen slightly, suggesting that much of the employment increase was among workers aged 65 plus. 

“The North East employment rate remains the lowest among the nine English regions, with the unemployment rate and working age economic inactivity rate both being the highest. The latter measures the number of people not in work or actively seeking employment.

“And progress in the past year has not matched other areas of the country. As we recover from COVID-19, the North East is the only region with a significantly lower employment rate than a year earlier, and the largest increase in the economic inactivity rate over the period. 

“Looking at local data for the last year, employment in the North East LEP area decreased more for women than men, and we have seen increases in economic inactivity across all working age groups in the North East. There has been a large growth in numbers citing looking after family or home as a reason for inactivity. 

“However, there is an opportunity to do more to benefit the economy and boost employment, with employers continuing to report demand in the labour market and difficulties in recruitment. 

“Energy prices, along with a range of other price rises, are going to increase costs for families and we urge government to focus invest into the North East to encourage more progress in the labour market.”