Local Employability Services

There are a number of organisations involved in helping West Lothian residents into training, and employment. You can find out more about them by following this link:

http://www.westlothian.com/BLN/employability/

Adopt an apprentice scheme

Local companies are being given money to "adopt" young apprentices who have been made redundant during the recession.
http://www.westlothianhp.co.uk/news/Adopt-an-apprentice.5715882.jp

Staff development training for rural businesses

Russell Parker, Business Development Executive at Oatridge College, says he has received a “universally positive response” from the rural businesses he has contacted about the exciting, new 2KT+ project, which offers companies access to the expertise and support of Oatridge and its partner institutions.

The knowledge transfer programme enables small to medium-sized business and social enterprises to harness academic resources and exploit market opportunities. In his new role, Russell has already been in touch with several keen to take up the offer, especially for specialist training programmes for staff development.

Adrian Kitchen, the Director of Curriculum and Business Development at Oatridge, says: “The reactions of businesses contacted to date have been very encouraging. We have a number of potential projects which will benefit both the businesses and the College and we look forward to the continued success of 2KT.”

Any business or social enterprise interested in talking to Russell Parker can contact him on 0778 99 124 36 or email rparker@oatridge.ac.uk

Latest unemployment and Jobcentre vacancy figures released

The latest unemployment and Jobcentre vacancy figures are out today for West Lothian (Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) based figures). The latest JSA unemployment figures show a modest increase between September and October. Typically, we would expect a decrease in unemployment in the late Autumn period due to seasonal recruitment. West Lothian's rate of unemployment has been higher than both Scotland and Great Britain's in the last year and this gap has risen slowly in the last quarter.

• The number of JSA jobless in West Lothian for October is 4,736. This is an increase of 85 on the September 2009 figure.
• West Lothian's unemployment rate of 4.4% is higher than both the Scottish (4.0%) and Great Britain (4.1%) rates. West Lothian's unemployment rate ranks joint 9th highest with Fife and Renfrewshire out of all Scottish local authority areas, up from last month's joint 10th highest with Falkirk, Fife and Renfrewshire.
• Youth unemployment (18-24 year olds) in West Lothian for October is 1,495. This is a rise of 30 on the last month.
• There were 950 notified Jobcentre vacancies in October - a net increase from September 2009 of 76 vacancies.
• The ratio of jobseekers to jobcentre vacancies has remained steady at approximately 5 jobseekers for every vacancy advertised in West Lothian jobcentres. In comparison, Scotland's ratio is 4.9:1, Great Britain is 4.4:1 with West Dunbartonshire having the highest ratio of 11.9:1 (12 jobseekers for every vacancy) of claimants to vacancies of Scottish local authorities.

JSA based unemployment figures do not provide the full picture. However, the headline JSA figure does help to indicate the latest trend or change at a national or local level and whether the economic down turn is beginning to bite. The Government's favoured method of measuring unemployment - the ILO method does not readily translate into up-to-date local area estimates.

New reports on youth work training published

Two new reports have been recently published following the national seminar on youth work training held at Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh in September:

• A Kaleidoscope Of Youth Work Training Update 2005-2009
• Towards a manifesto for the youth work workforce in Scotland

Also, a new introductory level qualification for the sector -The Professional Development Award in Youth Work - was launched at the conference by SQA. See the FAQ sheet on the award.

More information and outcomes from the seminar including video footage and information on youth work training is available here.

Small firms offered funds to take on new apprentices

Small and medium size businesses in the manufacturing, textiles, food and drink and energy sectors will be given a £2,000 financial incentive to take on a new apprentice. Announcing the new 'Investment in an Apprenticeship' scheme, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning, Fiona Hyslop said: "Apprentices are vital for Scotland's recovery. That is why I am inviting small and medium size businesses to take advantage of this Scottish Government and European Social Fund incentive of £2,000 to take on a new 16-19 year old apprentice".

Funding for youth groups and schools

The Central Scotland Forest Trust has launched its Community Project Fund for 2009. The Community Project Fund provides one-off grants of up to £250 to help constituted community or youth groups and schools improve their local environment and make a positive difference for all the community.

Please note that the application deadline is Friday 20 November 2009. Further details and an application form are available from the Central Scotland Forest Trust. Please contact Linda McConaghie if you would like to discuss this further.

Tel. 01501 824792
Fax. 01501 823919

Release of latest unemployment and Jobcentre vacancy figures

The latest unemployment (Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) based) and Jobcentre vacancy figures have been released for West Lothian:

• The number of JSA jobless in West Lothian for September is 4,651. This is a decrease of 96 on the August 2009 figure.
• West Lothian's unemployment rate of 4.4% is higher than both the Scottish (4.0%) and Great Britain (4.2%) rates.
• West Lothian's unemployment rate ranks joint 10th highest with Falkirk, Fife and Renfrewshire out of all Scottish local authority areas.
• There were 874 notified Jobcentre vacancies in September - a net decrease from August 2009 of 176 vacancies.
• The ratio of jobseekers to jobcentre vacancies has remained steady at approximately 5 jobseekers for every vacancy advertised in West Lothian jobcentres. In comparison, Scotland's ratio is 5.2:1, Great Britain is 5.3:1 with North Ayrshire having the highest ratio of 11.8:1 (12 jobseekers for every vacancy) of claimants to vacancies of Scottish local authorities.

ESF and ERDF Bids submitted - 9 October 2009

Last Friday was the deadline for submission of ESF and ERDF proposals for projects starting in 2010. Three proposals to support employability work in West Lothian were submitted.

Extension to the Connecting Communities ERDF Connecting to Jobs ESF Community Planning partnership programme
An extension to this integrated package of activity was proposed with European Funding used to target key groups – Young people requiring More Choices, and More Chances and geographic communities with the highest levels of exclusion from employment. A revised plan to extend the current approved package of action for a year from September 2010 to August 2011.

A new ESF proposal has also been submitted to provide a route into employment for people with "High Support Needs"
Proposed project activity includes:
Targeted support in two areas - one for people with severe and enduring mental illness and one for those with learning disabilities
Employer engagement to encourage recruitment from these groups and to support employers in sustaining clients within their post
Specialist training on diverse issues from health and safety and people skills, to art therapy and literacy and numeracy
Support for clients to look for and apply for jobs as well as support to sustain employment once they’ve attained it.

Latest unemployment and Jobcentre figures released

The latest unemployment (Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) based) and Jobcentre vacancy figures have been released for West Lothian.

• The number of JSA jobless in West Lothian for August is 4,747. This is an increase of 169 on the July 2009 figure and is the highest total for West Lothian since August 1996.
• West Lothian's unemployment rate of 4.4% is higher than both the Scottish (4.2%) and Great Britain (4.2%) rates and is higher than at any time since August 1996.
• West Lothian's unemployment rate ranks 13th highest out of all Scottish local authority areas.
• On a positive note, there were 1,050 notified Jobcentre vacancies in August - a net increase from July 2009 of 274 vacancies.
• Also, there has been a slight decrease in the ratio of jobseekers to jobcentre vacancies this month, with approximately 5 jobseekers for every vacancy advertised in West Lothian jobcentres. In comparison, Scotland's ratio is 5.0:1, Great Britain is 4.5:1 with North Ayrshire having the highest ratio of 12.4:1 (12 jobseekers for every vacancy) of claimants to vacancies of Scottish local authorities.
  

£1000 cash back offered to recruiting employers

Jobcentre Plus is offering £1000 to employers for every eligible person that they recruit, who has been claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance for six months or more.

Eligible candidates looking for work will want employers to notice their potential and may refer to the £1000 in their letter of application, as part of their CV, on application forms, or during the recruitment process.

For employers, the process for making a claim is quick and easy on the Jobcentre Plus website.

In-work training, worth up to £1,500, may also be available through Jobcentre Plus partners to help employers get the most from their new recruits and their current employees.

Invitation to Access2employment stakeholder event

Access2employment would like to invite you along to their annual Stakeholder Event. It will be held on Tuesday 22 September at 10am in The Enterprise Centre, Livingston

This is an opportunity for you to hear about what they do, where they do it, and who they do it to!

They are also very keen to hear your views and opinions on their service together with any suggestions you might have which would go toward improving the overall customer experience.

As a little incentive, there will be tea, coffee and home baking available from 9.30am.

Please confirm your attendance by 15 September to:

Sandra Darling
Coordinator - access2employment
West Lothian Council
Cultural, Communities & Economic Development Services
The Enterprise Centre
Almondvale Boulevard
Livingston
EH54 6QP
Tel: 01506 777944
Mobile: 07899 063543
E-mail: sandra.darling@westlothian.gov.uk

Latest unemployment and Jobcentre vacancy figures released

The latest unemployment and Jobcentre vacancy figures have been published for West Lothian (Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) based figures).

• The number of JSA jobless in West Lothian for July is 4,578. This is an increase of only 5 on the June 2009 figure.
• West Lothian's unemployment rate of 4.3% is higher than both the Scottish (4.1%) and Great Britain (4.1%) rates. West Lothian's unemployment rate is the same as South Lanarkshire.
• There were 776 notified Jobcentre vacancies in July - a net decrease from June 2009 of 70 vacancies.
• There has been a slight increase in the ratio of jobseekers to jobcentre vacancies this month, with approximately 6 jobseekers for every vacancy advertised in West Lothian jobcentres. In comparison, Scotland's ratio is 6.0:1, Great Britain is 5.7:1 with North Ayrshire and West Dunbartonshire jointly having the highest ratio of 12.9:1 (13 jobseekers for every vacancy) of claimants to vacancies of Scottish local authorities.

Big increase in 18-24 year olds out of work

Recently published government figures for England show the largest number of 18 to 24 year olds out of work or education since the first quarter of 2005. The quarterly brief which provides statistics on young people Not in Employment, Education or Training (NEET) and young people Not in Education and Training (NET) uses information from the labour Force Survey (LFS) and Client caseload Information system (CCIS) maintained by the Connexions Service to monitor NEET at a more detailed level. The data presented covers England and is on an academic age basis.

Read the report

Addressing educational inequality

Investing in education: combating educational disadvantage (Research series no 6)
Economic and Social Research Institute, Whitaker Square, Sir John Rogerson's Quay, Dublin 2, Ireland

Published: 2009
Pages 65

Read the report on the ESRI website

Contends that there is a level of education below which life chances are adversely affected. Summarises international research on educational inequality, focusing on interventions to counter educational disadvantage. Assesses the extent of inequality in Irish education. Examines the way in which social background influences literacy levels, qualifications and grades. Explores provision for disadvantaged groups within the Irish educational system. Examines the consequences and costs of early school leaving for the individual and society. Considers labour market outcomes, health and crime. Finds that pupils in Ireland who leave education without attaining the Leaving Certificate qualification will have difficulty accessing further education, training or high quality employment.

Volunteers wanted for young people's mentoring project

Volunteer Centre West Lothian and West Lothian Council’s `More Choices, More Chances’ team are planning a collaborative, year long pilot project centred on providing volunteer mentors to act as role models to young people within three of the Council’s secondary schools and to young people who have recently left school as they seek to sustain employment. The age range of the potential Mentee’s is 14 to 19.

The Young People’s Mentoring Programme will seek to address what is perceived to be one of the contributing factors in the young people not achieving a good standard of learning, level of personal motivation and employment – the absence of a positive role model in their young lives.

They intend to recruit Volunteer Mentors from within West Lothian’s Business Community as well as the Public and Private sectors.

Training and ongoing support of the Mentors will be provided free of charge and reasonable travel expenses met. This is an ideal opportunity to use your life skills to assist the young people of West Lothian. There is a need for 40 Volunteer Mentors.

Training will take place in the Volunteer Centre from 6 to 9pm over three evenings, 27th and 31st of August and 1st September 2009

To book your place on the next training course please call the Volunteer Centre on 01506 650111 or e-mail volunteer@vcwl.co.uk

All Volunteer Mentors will be asked to submit to a Disclosure Check

National Youth Work Training Seminar, Edinburgh

"A Kaleidoscope of Youth Work Training" seminar will be held on 30 September at Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh.

This one day seminar will provide an opportunity for the Youth Work sector to engage in a national discussion on workforce development with all the key stakeholders and to share practical knowledge on youth work training routes.

Cost: £60 +VAT = £69.00
Closing date: 18 September - Book now to avoid disappointment!
Contact: Susan Symington, phone: 0131 313 2488 or email: ssymington@youthlink.co.uk

Find out more or book online

Scottish school leaver destination results published

The recently published follow up survey on school leavers from school year 2007/08, indicates that:

• The proportion of school leavers in sustained positive destinations was 84.0% in March/April 2009, approximately 9 months after leaving school. This compares to 87.0% of school leavers in positive destinations in March/April 2008.


• The proportion of school leavers in further or higher education rose from 47.9% in March/April 2008 to 51.0% in March/April 2009.


• The proportion in employment in March/April 2009 fell to 28.5% compared to 34.4% in March/April 2008.


• The proportion unemployed increased from 12.5% in March/April 2008 to 15.4% in March/April 2009.

Read the report for more detail.

Latest unemployment and Jobcentre vacancy figures published

The latest unemployment and Jobcentre vacancy figures are out today for West Lothian (Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) based figures).

• The number of JSA jobless in West Lothian for June is 4,573 . This is an increase of 31 on the May 2009 figure .
• West Lothian's unemployment rate of 4.3% is higher than both the Scottish (4.0%) and Great Britain (4.1%) rates. West Lothian's unemployment rate is the same as South Lanarkshire and Renfrewshire.
• There were 8 46 notified Jobcentre vacancies in June - a net increase from May 2009 of 41 vacancies.
• There has been an improvement on last month, with approximately 5 jobseekers for every vacancy advertised in West Lothian jobcentres. In comparison, Scotland's ratio is 5.8:1, Great Britain is 5.9:1 with Clackmannanshire having the highest ratio of 14.7:1 (15 jobseekers for every vacancy) of claimants to vacancies of Scottish local authorities (see attached excel sheet).

JSA based unemployment figures do not provide the full picture. However, the headline JSA figure does help to indicate the latest trend or change at a national or local level and whether the economic down turn is beginning to bite. The Government's favoured method of measuring unemployment - the ILO method does not readily translate into up-to-date local area estimates.The Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) is payable to people under pensionable age who are available for, and actively seeking, work.

Access2Employment Spring/ Summer 2009 newsletter

West Lothian's latest update (Spring/ Summer 2009) on the employability services delivered by West Lothian Council and its partners is now available.

70,000 new green jobs if councils tackle climate change

At least 70,000 jobs could be created across England and Wales if councils slashed climate-changing emissions by insulating homes and businesses and fitting green energy to buildings, according to recent independent research released by Friends of the Earth.

The research - by leading advisors to councils on climate change Carbon Descent - was published to launch a new nationwide campaign calling for local councils take urgent action to cut CO2 emissions.

Find out more

FUTURE JOBS FUND

The Future Jobs Fund is a major new initiative which will operate across the UK. It is designed to create 15,000 jobs across Scotland between October 2009 and April 2011.The 18 month initiative is focused on young people aged 18-24 who have been on Job Seekers Allowance but it will also support some long-term unemployed people who have barriers to employment or live in areas with high concentrations of unemployment.

West Lothian Council will submit a range of proposals to the Future Jobs Fund. If you would like more information, please contact Sandra Darling - 01506 777944 or email: sandra.darling@westlothian.gov.uk

First Issue of the IPPR Youth Tracker published

The Institute of Public Policy and Research (ippr), in conjunction with the Private Equity Foundation, has today published the first issue of the Youth Tracker – a new quarterly newsletter looking at how Britain’s young people are faring in the recession, and what we can do to support them.

The Tracker features articles, interviews and comment pieces addressing the impact of the recession on young people and the organisations working with them, with a particular focus on young people not in employment, education or training (‘NEET’). It also provides a digest of recent research and statistics which will be of interest to organisations working with disadvantaged young people.

The Tracker is available for download, just click here and then click 'download without registration'.

National Youth Work training seminar to take place

This one day seminar will provide an opportunity for the Youth Work sector to engage in a national discussion on workforce development with key stakeholders and to share practical knowledge on youth work training routes.

More information to follow soon.
Contact: Timothy Frew, phone: 0131 313 2488 [ e-mail ]

Latest unemployment and jobcentre vacancies released

The latest unemployment and Jobcentre vacancy figures are out today for West Lothian (Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) based figures).

• The number of JSA jobless in West Lothian for May is 4,542. This is an increase of 12 on the April 2009 figure, and is the highest total for West Lothian since September 1996.
• West Lothian's unemployment rate of 4.3% is higher than both the Scottish (3.9%) and Great Britain (4.1%) rates, and is higher than at any time since February 1997. West Lothian's unemployment rate is the same as South Lanarkshire and Renfrewshire.
• There were 805 notified Jobcentre vacancies in May - a net increase from April 2009 of 19 vacancies.
• Similar to last month, there are approximately 6 jobseekers for every vacancy advertised in West Lothian jobcentres. In comparison, Scotland's ratio is 5.3:1, Great Britain is 5.5:1 with Inverclyde having the highest ratio of 11.6:1 (12 jobseekers for every vacancy) of claimants to vacancies of Scottish local authorities (see attached excel sheet).

JSA based unemployment figures do not provide the full picture. However, the headline JSA figure does help to indicate the latest trend or change at a national or local level and whether the economic down turn is beginning to bite. The Government's favoured method of measuring unemployment - the ILO method does not readily translate into up-to-date local area estimates.
The Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) is payable to people under pensionable age who are available for, and actively seeking, work.

New report on gender equality

Report on equality between women and men 2009
Office for Official Publications of the European Communities, Luxembourg

Published: 2009
Pages: 72

Reports on progress in the field of gender equality, highlighting existing gender gaps in employment, education, segregation in occupations and sectors, management, and politics. Reviews policy and legislative developments, focusing on improving work-life balance, family-related leave, and equal treatment and equal pay.

Read the report

Ambition 2020: World Class Skills and Jobs for the UK

The UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES) has recently published its state of the nations report, ‘Ambition 2020: World Class Skills and Jobs for the UK’. The report challenges the government and business to raise their efforts, their ambitions, and the nation’s skills to prevent the UK slipping behind its international competitors over the next ten years.

The report shows significant improvements in the UK’s skills levels over the last decade but finds that urgent action needs to be taken now to ensure post-recession success and to reach the goal of being in the top eight countries in the world for productivity, employment and skills by 2020. The report’s findings include a fundamental mismatch between supply and demand in the labour market and state that to achieve the recommended goals will require an additional 20 million qualifications by 2020.

Read the report on the UKCES website.

MCMC good practice studies published

Production of Case Studies of Flexible Learning and Support Packages for Young People who Require More Choices and More Chances
Kevin Lowden, Alison Devlin, Stuart Hall, George Head, Jon Lewin

The full report is also accompanied by research findings 47/2009.
The document is also available in pdf format (392k)

The study was commissioned by The Scottish Government (2007-08) and was intended to inform a series of papers on 'Building the Curriculum' being prepared as part of the implementation of Curriculum for Excellence ( CfE).

The study had several key objectives:

• To identify and select five case studies of provision for young people who require More Choices and More Chances ( MCMC). These were selected to illustrate a range of provision in different contexts, and identified as examples of good practice by a range of key stakeholders across Scotland.
• To gain a detailed understanding of the activities and achievements of the organisations, partnerships or programmes within the case studies.
• To identify the factors influencing success in each case study and assess how any challenges had been addressed.
• The research methods varied to suit the case study contexts but generally involved interviews with providers, pupils, and parents, and scrutiny of providers' own evaluations and monitoring information.

Within each case study, the findings are arranged under headings reflecting key areas of interest to the study: the experience of pupils and outcomes, an overview of provision, factors influencing provision and finally, future developments and sustainability.

Future Jobs Fund to create 15,000 jobs across Scotland

The Future Jobs Fund, announced as part of the April 2009 Budget, is a major new initiative which will operate across the UK. It is designed to create 15,000 jobs across Scotland between October 2009 and April 2011.

The 18 month initiative is focused on young people aged 18-24 who have been on Job Seekers Allowance but it will also support some long-term unemployed people who have barriers to employment or live in areas with high concentrations of unemployment.

A key element of the programme is that the jobs created should provide community benefit and in Scotland there is an expectation that over 1,000 green jobs will be created as well as jobs in social care, childcare, health, energy efficiency, sports and the arts. Funding of around £95m will be available in Scotland and this will fund the costs of employing an individual for six months on at least a minimum wage.

The programme is an opportunity for the third sector in Scotland to extend the range of services it provides to communities across Scotland as well as contributing to the challenge of young people and long-term unemployment. It also provides an opportunity for people to stay connected to the labour market and deliver genuine benefit to their local area.

Get in touch with SCVO if you are interested in getting involved or have ideas on jobs that could be created within your organisations or community. Contact: SCVO, phone: 0141 225 8017

Latest unemployment and job vacancy results published

The latest unemployment and Jobcentre vacancy figures are out today for West Lothian (Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) based figures).

• The number of JSA jobless in West Lothian for April is 4,530. This is an increase of 52 on the March 2009 figure, and is the highest total for West Lothian since September 1996.
• West Lothian's unemployment rate of 4.2% is higher than both the Scottish (3.9%) and Great Britain (4.1%) rates, and excluding last month's similar rate, is higher than at any time since February 1997.
• West Lothian's unemployment rate ranks joint 12th highest (with South Lanarkshire) out of all Scottish local authority areas.
• There were 786 notified Jobcentre vacancies in April - a net decrease from March 2009 of 15 vacancies.
• Similar to last month, there are approximately 6 jobseekers for every vacancy advertised in West Lothian jobcentres. In comparison, Scotland's ratio is 5.5:1, Great Britain is 6.4:1 with West Dunbartonshire having the highest ratio of 14.0:1 (14 jobseekers to every vacancy) of claimants to vacancies of Scottish local authorities.

JSA based unemployment figures do not provide the full picture. However, the headline JSA figure does help to indicate the latest trend or change at a national or local level and whether the economic down turn is beginning to bite. The Government's favoured method of measuring unemployment - the ILO method does not readily translate into up-to-date local area estimates.
The Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) is payable to people under pensionable age who are available for, and actively seeking, work.

Home Energy Apprenticeship scheme announced

More than 100 individuals in Scotland are to be offered a place in a new Home Energy Apprenticeship Programme.

The Scottish Government will support Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) in a Home Energy Apprenticeship Pilot Programme which will build a framework of energy professionals to support the company's long term ability to contribute to energy efficiency goals.

More information on Scottish Government website.

Extra Government jobs for unemployed

More Scottish Government jobs will be made available to individuals who face increased barriers to employment.

Speaking at the Welfare to Work Convention in Stirling the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning, Fiona Hyslop, announced that she had signed the Scottish Government's first ever Local Employment Partnership (LEP) with Jobcentre Plus.

Through the LEP the Scottish Government will put in place a number of measures to help support benefit claimants into work. Such measures might include pre-employment training, mentoring opportunities, supported placements through Get Ready for Work, and a review of their recruitment and selection methodologies to help make job opportunities in the Scottish Government more accessible to young people and adults further from the labour market.

Find out more from the Scottish Government website.

Redundancy funding boost from Europe

Extra help for those facing redundancy has been announced. Additional European Social Fund funding of £1.4 million will provide resources for the Scottish Government's PACE (Partnership Action for Continuing Employment) initiative to help people facing redundancy.

PACE is Scotland's partnership initiative providing help to organisations and employees when an organisation is facing potential redundancy situations. This funding will provide early help for businesses who unfortunately have to make people redundant. It will ensure employees can go straight from one job to another where possible. Doubling the number of careers advisers working with companies will allow them to intervene early in redundancy situations, to help employees on site in their place of work before they are made unemployed.

The funding is expected to help an additional 4,600 individuals through a variety of support including individual career planning interviews, individual employability sessions, careers planning group sessions and registrations on the website.

Further information on the announcement can be obtained from the Scottish Government website.

Changes to Individual Learning Accounts announced

Changes to the Individual Learning Accounts Scotland Scheme which will be available to learners in the 2009-10 academic year mean that up to 250,000 more people can now be helped to develop their learning when changing jobs or facing redundancy.

The changes are:

• the income threshold will be increased from £18,000 to £22,000 with nearly half the adult workforce now employed
• the minimum study requirement for the ILA £500 grant will be reduced from 50 per cent of a full-time course to 40 SCQF Credits
• eligible students studying part-time taught postgraduate courses (SCQF level 11) will be supported through the ILA500 scheme

For more information visit the Scottish Government website

Oatridge College offers free training places

Oatridge College reports receiving funding which could mean that young landbased workers can receive free training and qualifications.
Places are available for 16 to 19 year olds to study on a day or block release for Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs) at levels 2 and 3 in a range of disciplines, including agriculture,
horticulture, greenkeeping, landbased engineering, animal care and equine studies. In many cases free transport may be provided and if necessary accommodation may be part-funded.
The number of places on offer is strictly limited and will be allocated on a “first-come-first-served” basis. Interested employers should contact Hilary Morton, the Workplace Learning Manager, Commercial Training, as soon as possible.
Hilary can be emailed at hmorton@oatridge.ac.uk or by telephone on 01506 864800.

How to close the gender skills gap

Closing the gender skills gap: a National Skills Forum report on women, skills and productivity
National Skills Forum, c/o Policy Connect, CAN Mezzanine 32-36 Loman Street, London SE1 0EH

Read the report on the National Skills Forum website.
Published: 2009
Pages: 72

Summary
Proposes ways to close the gender skills gap in the UK. Puts forward 27 recommendations aimed at tackling the barriers facing many women who want to train, get back to work and improve their skills. Includes recommendations regarding: overcoming occupational segregation and increasing the number of women in the science, engineering and technology (SET) sector; careers education and guidance for women; changing cultural attitudes; flexible working opportunities; the role of Sector Skills Councils; women's engagement in adult and community learning; apprenticeships; elearning entitlement for new parents. Includes personal and employer case studies, and highlights examples of employer best practice.

(Source: IDOX Information Services Ltd)

New Population Statistics released

The General Register Office for Scotland has published the mid year population estimates for 2008. Scotland's population is estimated to have increased by 24,300 to 5,168,500. This was a slightly smaller increase than in the previous year, with births exceeding deaths by almost 4000. Net migration contributed less to the population growth than it did in the 2006/07 figures.

West Lothian's population has also been estimated to have grown from 167,800 (June 2007 Estimate) to 169,510 (June 2008 Estimate) - growth of around 1%. However, East Lothian, Perth and Kinross and Midlothian were the local authority areas with the highest estimated population growth, at +1.8%, +1.4% and +1.3% respectively.

To look at the figures broken into single years and the summary of the figures please go to:
General Register Office for Scotland
Populations estimates

Figures broken down into data zone areas will be published later this year.

Destinations of school leavers

Destinations of leavers from Scottish schools: 2007/08 (Statistics Publication Notice: education series)
Scottish Government

Read the report on the Government's website.
Published: 2008
Pages: 23

Summary
Presents national and education authority level information on the destinations of young people leaving Scottish schools, together with data linking the destinations to pupil characteristics. Indicates that the proportion of young people entering further or higher education has risen, while the proportion entering employment has decreased. Notes that the proportion who are unemployed and not seeking employment or training has increased slightly from the previous year.

(Source: IDOX Information Services Ltd)

Economic Review launched

The West Lothian Economic Partnership has published its annual economic review for 2009.

To be launched at the West Lothian Economic Conference on 28 April, the review reports on five key targets surrounding jobs, pay levels, educational attainment, school leavers progressing to higher education and economic activity.

West Lothian jobless total in new increase

The latest unemployment and Jobcentre vacancy figures are out today for West Lothian (Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) based figures).

• The number of JSA jobless in West Lothian for March is 4,478. This is an increase of 169 on the February 2009 figure, and is the highest total for West Lothian since September 1996.
• West Lothian's unemployment rate of 4.2% is higher than both the Scottish (3.9%) and Great Britain (4.0%) rates, and is higher than at any time since February 1997. West Lothian's unemployment rate ranks 14th highest out of all Scottish local authority areas.
• There were 801 notified Jobcentre vacancies in March - a net decrease from February 2009 of 284 vacancies.
• There are now approximately 6 jobseekers for every vacancy advertised in West Lothian jobcentres, compared to last month's 4 jobseekers for every vacancy. In comparison, Scotland's ratio is 5.7:1, Great Britain is 6.3:1 with Inverclyde having the highest ratio of 15.1:1 (15 jobseekers for every vacancy) of claimants to vacancies of Scottish local authorities.

JSA based unemployment figures do not provide the full picture. However, the headline JSA figure does help to indicate the latest trend or change at a national or local level and whether the economic down turn is beginning to bite. The Government's favoured method of measuring unemployment - the ILO method does not readily translate into up-to-date local area estimates.

The Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) is payable to people under pensionable age who are available for, and actively seeking, work.

Results from the 2008 Scottish Employers Skill Survey

Futureskills Scotland undertakes a large-scale survey of Scottish employers every two years - the Scottish Employer Skills Survey (SESS).

Read the report on the Scottish Government's website

Employment fair for carers at West Lothian College on 28 April

West Lothian College is hosting the fifth annual care careers fair on 28 April to help people find out about employment in the health, social care or childcare sector.

Representatives from five universities will be on hand to give information about courses, as well as local employers and careers advisors.

Read more

HABIA, the Hair & Beauty Industry Authority launches new apprenticeship guide

The Hair and Beauty Industry Authority (Habia) has launched a new mini website that offers guidance to hair and beauty employers on employing apprentices.

It includes information on the benefits of employing apprenticeships, news and links to further guidance.

To see the website go to:http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=14822301&msgid=331883&act=SDJB&c=126827&admin=0&destination=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.habia.org%2Fapprenticeships%2F

West Lothian Council announces additional Get Ready for Work activity

Opportunities for young people in West Lothian have been given a boost with the approval of proposals to increase the number of additional pre-employment training places.

The aim is to create additional training and work placement opportunities for 16 to 19-year-olds through commissioning additional full-time Get Ready for Work (GRfW) activity.

For more information follow this link.

Best practice in developing employability skills

The employability challenge: case studies
UK Commission for Employment and Skills, Callflex Business Park, Golden Smithies Land, Wath-upon-Dearne, South Yorks S63 7ER

(Available on the internet at: http://www.ukces.org.uk/pdf/EmployabilityChallengeCaseStudies.pdf)
Published: 2009
Pages: 100

Summary:
Presents twenty case studies of UK organisations active in developing people's employability skills. Provides an overview of each organisation's employability skills programme. Sets out each programme's main components and summarises evidence on impact. Covers issues including employer engagement, programme design and training. Contains case studies from organisations including schools, colleges, universities, charities, and employment, skills and community initiatives.

The employability challenge: full report
UK Commission for Employment and Skills, Callflex Business Park, Golden Smithies Lane, Wath-upon-Dearne, South Yorks S63 7ER

(Available on the internet at: http://www.ukces.org.uk/pdf/8080-UKCES-Employability%20ChallengeFinal.pdf)
Published: 2009
Pages: 69

Summary:
Sets out how learning providers have successfully developed their students' employability skills. Focuses on both good practice in the learning environment and the policy framework which encourages practitioners towards good practice. Emphasises the importance of employability skills to employers and the UK as a whole. Provides advice on how to involve employers in course design and delivery. Outlines the leadership and resource implications for educational institutions of delivering employability skills. Looks at learning programme design and delivery. Discusses ways to make skills development experiential and informed, with opportunities to reflect. Outlines challenges that learning providers and policy makers must overcome to improve the development of employability skills in the UK workforce.

(Source: IDOX Information Services Ltd)

Apprenticeships: Skills for sustainability conference

Tuesday 12 May 2009, The Sheraton Grand Hotel, Edinburgh

This second annual apprenticeships and vocational training conference will bring together key stakeholders to look at the challenges facing the Scottish economy and what part apprenticeships and vocational training will play in ensuring sustainable economic growth.

Looking cross-sectorally, this event will bring together speakers to discuss how best to expand apprenticeships in non-traditional sectors, such as IT, management and creative sectors, to meet the current and future needs of the economy. It will also look at stigmas towards apprenticeships and the barriers, real or perceived, faced by employers in taking on and supporting apprenticeship places.

Contact: Holyrood Events, phone: 0131 272 2133 [ website ]

Employees v. Contractors: What's the tax and legal difference and why you should care

Business Gateway West Lothian have organised this short breakfast seminar for local employers on Thursday 21 May 2009.

In association with Springfords, accountants and business advisers and MBM Commercial LLP.

In the current economic climate, employers may be attracted to the idea of working with independent contractors instead of hiring employees as this can allow the flexibility employers need to respond to changing circumstances quickly and cost effectively.

Consequently they have frequently tried to classify workers as independent contractors when in the eyes of both the law and HM Revenue and Customs they will be treated as employees.

Deciding which category of worker to use should be treated cautiously. This breakfast seminar aims to provide employers with the facts to ensure they can make informed decisions to avoid the pitfalls.

The speakers are:

Carol Wright - partner in Springfords - accountants and business advisers - offering solutions to owner managed businesses at all stages of their growth cycle.

John Lee – Head of Employment Law at MBM Commercial LLP – offering employment related services to corporate clients and senior executives.

The seminar takes place at the Enterprise Centre in Livingston. To secure your place phone Laura Maltman on 01506 777925 or email bgateway@westlothian.gov.uk

Skill Scotland Conference: Working in partnership to support disabled learners

Skills conference for disabled learners to be held in Glasgow at Glasgow Caledonian University on Monday 11th May 2009.

Aims:

• encourage effective partnership working between the various agencies involved in supporting disabled learners, in both further and higher education
• provide guidance on the roles and responsibilities of these agencies
• stimulate discussion around inclusiveness and cross-agency working
• showcase good practice in partnership working.

This will also be an excellent opportunity for networking with colleagues from a range of sectors working in partnership with colleges and universities.

For more information go to the Skill website.

Or, to receive a booking form please contact Skill Scotland: admin@skillscotland.org.uk or telephone 0131 475 2348.

Launch of Employability Blog

This blog is intended to provide useful information to those working in the Employability sector across West Lothian.

There will be a selection of news, programme information and case studies published on the site.

There are many organisations working in the field of employability in the local area, all are welcome to contribute to the blog and anyone wishing to post should contact andrew.cotton@westlothian.gov.uk to find out how they can get started.

Follow this link for a full list of West Lothian employability organistions.