Objective

To develop and deliver new ways of extending employment opportunities and improving workforce skills by supporting a small number of strategic regional projects.  Projects include overseas partners drawn from other Member States as a means of building in best practice and experience from other countries.

Theme: Active Inclusion

Project name:  What Works

Applicant:  Newhaven Community Development Association

ESF Grant: £608,836         

Project Manager:      Sarah MacKintosh

Email:                     sarah@newcep.org.uk

Tel:                       01273 516347

Project summary: To identify the key factors for the successful delivery of flexible personalised training packages to people who are disadvantaged in the labour market and help them move into sustainable employment.  To work with employers and so get them to adopt a more flexible approach to this client group.

Theme: Demographic Change

Project name: Flexible Lives for Older Workers

Applicant: Age Concern Milton Keynes

ESF Grant: £402,085         

Project Manager:      Carol Older

Email:                     Carol.older@ageconcernmk.org.uk

Tel:                       01908 557882

Project summary:  To identify and develop new ways of improving the recruitment and retention of older workers in the social care and retail/hospitality sectors.    To engage with micro-employers by working with Sector Skills Council, Skills for Care to develop and test  how best they can procure the services they require.

Theme: Skills for Climate Change

Project name: Eco Advantage

Applicant: Medway Unitary Authority

ESF Grant:    £672,742

Project Manager:      Irene Heller

Email:                     Irene.heller@medway.gov.uk

Tel:                       01634 338104

Project summary:  To develop and test a social incubation model for disadvantaged workers and through short courses and other training enable them to access new job opportunities linked to regeneration and climate change.  This is expected to have a particular focus around the construction sector and the use of more environmentally friendly materials and engaging with local employers.