AN investment of £150,000 could be made into enhancing the skills of Worcester's workforce.

Worcester City Council is considering investing the cash into a new strategy to improve the skills local people can offer and to deliver more apprenticeships, graduate employment, graduate retention and support for young people entering the jobs market.

At a meeting on July 26, the council's cabinet will decide whether to use £150,000 of New Homes Bonus cash to support a new skills strategy for Worcester.

Data from the ONS annual population survey indicates that 9.9% of the working age population in Worcester have no qualifications – higher than the national average of 8.6%.

According to a recent survey by the Worcestershire LEP, some of the most significant skills shortages are in the IT, digital and manufacturing sectors.

Cllr Geoff Williams, cabinet member for economic prosperity and growth, called the matter a "priority".

“Tackling Worcester’s skills shortages is a real priority for the city council, because if we don’t address them then ultimately Worcester’s competitiveness will be reduced,” he said.

“Our new skills strategy sets out to ensure Worcester has a well-educated, skilled workforce who will help drive a strong, sustainable local economy”.

The strategy aims to 'cultivate a skilled and job-ready workforce across all age groups', equipping more local people with the experience they need to secure better paid employment.

There will be incentives for small to medium-sized local businesses to take on an apprentice or a graduate - and support for those who wish to improve the skills of their existing workforce or offer more work experience.

The strategy aims to reduce the number of 18 to 24 year olds on job seeker allowance by 10% by 2020, and to focus particularly on increasing skills in Worcester’s 'areas of highest need', such as Warndon, Rainbow Hill and Tolladine, the council says.

The council also plans to work with partners to support the over 50s and residents with disabilities back in to work.