NLP Board Minutes 22 February 2006 (1)

Cllr McCabe welcomed all to the meeting, particularly Michael O'Neill, Director of Education who, as key officer leading the Community Plan's Learning Through Life theme, was attending to deliver a presentation on progress to date.

Apologies were noted from Gregor McKenzie, North Lanarkshire Council and Nicky Munro, Scottish Executive.

These were agreed as an accurate record

None

A detailed presentation was delivered by Michael O'Neill on the Learning through Life Community Planning theme (to request a copy, click on the Community Planning link at the side of this page). Work is currently ongoing within the Education Department to target the NEET Group (Not in Employment, Education or Training) through vocational education programmes within schools. Currently 1,009 pupils in 3^rd and 4^th year are involved in vocational training where subjects include Early Years, Catering, Horticulture and Craft.

Michael completed the presentation by outlining challenges for the NLP Board, i.e.

• To encourage the Scottish Qualifications Authority to recognise alternative qualifications
• To consider mainlining funding for vocational education in schools
• To encourage the Scottish Executive to consider a more equitable funding system for young people over 16 years old
• To encourage major companies in NL to offer apprenticeships to local young people
• To encourage the Scottish Qualifications Authority to consider career planning as a core skill

Cllr McCabe welcomed questions/comments on the presentation.

After discussion, it was agreed to note the issues raised.

Action: None

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