A national commission sponsored by Seetec has called for greater action to ensure public spending, regeneration and local investment to create meaningful employment and skills opportunities for young people across England.
The National Commission on Local Opportunity, co-chaired by Youth Employment UK and Business in the Community, has published its final report, setting out five recommendations to help national government, local authorities and employers turn investment into lasting employment opportunities.
The report highlights significant differences in how local areas translate public spending and development into employment and skills outcomes, identifying fragmented funding, limited local resources and inconsistent coordination as key challenges.
Five key steps to drive change
The Commission has identified five recommendations to help turn local investment into meaningful employment and skills opportunities:
- Set clear expectations for local opportunities: Establish national principles to ensure employment and skills initiatives deliver quality, inclusive and lasting opportunities while responding to local needs.
- Put employment and skills at the heart of local investment: Embed employment and skills planning earlier in major development, regeneration and investment projects.
- Strengthen accountability and measure impact: Establish consistent ways to measure what has been delivered, who has benefited and whether opportunities lead to sustained employment and career progression.
- Invest in local partnerships and coordination: Provide the resources needed to help local organisations connect employers, education providers and communities and turn employment commitments into practical opportunities.
- Make it easier for employers to get involved: Simplify processes and strengthen local connections so businesses of all sizes can contribute to employment, skills development and workforce opportunities.
Turning investment into meaningful opportunities
As a sponsor of the Commission, Seetec has contributed its expertise in employability, skills and workforce development, drawing on its experience of connecting people with employers and helping businesses develop the talent they need.
Seetec is proud to sponsor the National Commission on Local Opportunity. Our work shows that connecting local developers, councils, and educators is vital to creating solid regional skills pipelines.
John Baumback, Chief Executive Officer of Seetec
“This report gives us a practical roadmap to make sure public and private investment creates genuine value, helping young people move smoothly from training into secure, meaningful jobs.
Connecting people, employers and places
At Seetec, we understand that creating employment opportunities is only part of the solution. Young people also need the right support to access them, particularly those facing additional barriers to work.
By bringing together local authorities, employers, education providers and community organisations, we can help ensure that investment in our towns and cities delivers lasting benefits for local people.
The Commission’s findings reinforce the importance of this joined-up approach, connecting local economic growth with inclusive employment, skills development and meaningful career opportunities for young people.
Building tomorrow’s workforce today
The National Commission is calling for action to connect local planning and public spending with better career opportunities for young people.
