Next week, Cabinet members will review a refreshed skills and employability support programme. These plans will help more residents access education, training, employment, and volunteering.

The refreshed offer focuses on support for young people and adults who face barriers to developing their skills and employability. It also aims to help people who are in low-paid or insecure work.

The plans have been established as part of a broader partnership across South Yorkshire. This is known as Skills and Employability South Yorkshire. Collaboration between Barnsley Council, City of Doncaster Council, Sheffield City Council, Rotherham Council and the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority will benefit the region while still responding to local needs. This would also allow for collaboration with providers, partners and communities in Barnsley.

Councillor Robin Franklin, Cabinet Spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture, said: “This proposal will help to bring new opportunities for communities. Support to access to learning and work will make a real difference in the lives of residents.

Everyone should have access to improve their skills and grow their employability. It plays an integral part in developing our inclusive economy. We want Barnsley to be a place where people embrace lifelong learning, overcome challenges and find a job that’s right for them. Through a refreshed offer, our skills and employability team and partners can continue to support people to achieve their goals.” To learn more about local support, visit barnsley.gov.uk/SkillsAndEmployability.

If approved by Cabinet, Skills and Employability South Yorkshire will be delivered by Barnsley Council. This would be part-funded by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority and part-funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.