Agenda item

Carlene Reed, Adult Learning Manager at Fareham College, provided an update on the Zoe Clark Academy, summarised as:

1. The academy's primary goal was to equip individuals aged 19 and above, experiencing long-term unemployment, with essential industry skills.
2. Assistance was offered for interviews and access to local employment opportunities.
3. The academy prioritised contributing to the community by offering diverse adult training programmes, including money management, to enhance development.
4. Vistry Southern Housebuilding and Countryside Partnership led the project.
5. Three-week work-based courses, in collaboration with the Department for Work and Pensions, covered health, safety, on-site behaviour, CSCS card training, and job interviews for site work and apprenticeships.
6. Seventy unemployed adults received training in the past year, with 70% successfully securing local employment; some received multiple offers from various employers.
7. Expectations were high for generating more opportunities upon the academy's inauguration.
8. Recognition was given to the academy's broader aim of not solely focusing on employment but also integrating into the local community and fostering future leaders in the construction industry.

Members raised queries, including:

1. The exact location of the academy.
2. The duration of the initiative.
3. The current enrolment figures for courses.
4. The connection of this initiative with the local job centre.
5. Whether there was any cost to attendees for attending a course.

Carlene Reed addressed these points accordingly.