Bridging the Gap - NECC’s skills policy report published in November 2011, highlighted existing skills gaps within our region’s young people in terms of core literacy, numeracy and communication skills along with general employability skills.

With youth unemployment reaching worrying heights NECC in partnership with Gateshead College, Nissan and Teesside University invite members to take part in this event to facilitate initial and ongoing collaboration between businesses and the regional education community which is key to bridging the gap.

In advance of the event we are seeking input into what collaboration currently exists, please fill in our 2 minute collaboration survey to identify what you currently do, and what you are willing to do.

To view the full report please click here
• The report revealed that firms with more than 50 employees have ambitions to grow, but are held back by a lack of skilled workers and burdensome regulation.
• 52% of firms in the North East want to take on more employees before 2015, with only eight percent looking to reduce staff numbers.
• With unemployment expected to peak at 2.77 million in 2012, business is expected to play its part in creating growth and jobs. The research showed, however, that the ambitions held by larger firms to expand and grow their workforce are frustrated by a lack of skilled labour in the UK, and burdensome regulation.

The survey, forms part of a national Workforce Study of 1,200 businesses nationally by the British Chambers of Commerce, also highlights areas where current legislation hampers growth.

Only by working together can the North East bridge its existing skills gap and provide an enormous economic boost to the region.

Agenda
8.00 Arrival and Registration
8.15 Welcome Gateshead College - Mick Brophy
8.20 Overview of report NECC - Helen Hayes
8.30 Case Study - Gateshead College (Judith Doyle & Mick Brophy) & Nissan (Ian Green)
9.00 Case Study - Teesside University (Laura Woods) & Simpsongroup (Mark Simpson)
9.30 How are we going to get there – round table discussion of thoughts and suggestions
9.50 Next steps – commitment from businesses in attendance
10.00 Opportunities for networking during tours of the college and Nissan UK

#North East