The Observatory hosted a seminar on raising motivations and aspirations in disadvantaged communities on 31 January 2008.
Raising aspirations research
Helena Duignan, West Midlands Regional Observatory
Download Helena's presentation (ppt, 242kb)
We explored motivations, aspirations and barriers faced by people from the region’s disadvantaged communities when considering access to training, education and employment. We also considered the implications for policy.
The research, conducted by the Observatory and Jobcentre Plus on behalf of the Regional Skills Partnership, included a survey of benefit claimants in Birmingham, Stoke and Coventry. The research also inlcluded focus groups and one-to-one interviews with individuals across the West Midlands.
The presentation explored:
- Aspirations of people from disadvantaged communities to improve their skills and access employment.
- The deep seated and inter-related barriers they face.
- Practical action that could be taken to address these barriers.
Attachment to place, (im)mobility and labour market prospects
Anne E. Green, Institute for Employment Research, University of Warwick, and Richard White
Download presentation (ppt, 2.4mb)
This presentation explored how social networks and attachment to place shape young people's attitudes towards education, training and work opportunities. The presentation also looked at the scope for interventions to widen horizons and enhance access to opportunities.
Through case studies of three deprived neighbourhoods—the New Deal for Communities areas in Walsall and Wolverhampton (West Midlands) and Hull (Yorkshire & the Humber)—the presentation:
- Examined implications for people and places of economic restructuring and the operation of labour markets.
- Considered the importance of family and friends in social networks.
- Examined whether attachment to place is a strength or a weakness for young people’s employment prospects.
- Explored the extent to which geography can restrict young people’s choices of training, jobs and careers.
- Assessed whether wider horizons would improve training and employment prospects.