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Bolton College in its Local Context
Population
Bolton has a population of 285,400 which is both economically and ethnically diverse. 19.1% of the population consider themselves to be part of one of the non-white ethnic minorities with those from an Indian background constituting the largest minority group. Bolton includes some of the most affluent areas in the region and some of the poorest. Almost 43% of the borough’s population live in neighbourhoods that are amongst the 25% most deprived in England and Wales. (Nomis 2019)
Deprivation
At 8.5% Bolton’s unemployment rate is the highest it has been since records began in 2004, having been hit particularly hard by job losses due to the impact of the Covid pandemic (Nomis 2019). Bolton has the third highest unemployment rate (and second highest in terms of total number of claimants) in Greater Manchester (GM 7.7%) with the national rate for England and Wales at 6.3%. Bolton’s working population is also less economically productive than other areas (having 5% less productivity than the national average) largely due to a high proportion of long term sick residents which is 7.4% above the national average (OfNS Nov 2020). Following the Covid pandemic the overall unemployment rate of 8.5% varies considerably across different age & sex groups in Bolton, impacting young males in particular. Out of the 14,925 people claiming unemployment in December 2020, almost two thirds (9,000) were male and one third (6,000) female. The most prominent age group for claiming unemployment benefits were those aged 16-24. 12% of males aged 16-24 were claiming unemployment benefits, which was 1.5 times the rate of females in that age group, at 8%. (Bolton Council data Dec 2020).
in its Local Context Bolton College
Bolton College in its Local Context
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According to the latest census, Christianity is the predominant religion in the borough with 63% of residents identifying as Christians. Islam and Hinduism are also significant faiths (12% and 2% of the population, respectively). 17% of residents identify as having no religion.
Bolton is a key area for resettlement of asylum seekers in the North West, with 1,012 people being supported in the town in 2018, the sixth highest population of any town or city in the UK. This accounted for 0.36% of the borough’s population (Statista).
Although it has dropped in recent years the percentage of NEET (Not In Education, Employment or Training) 18 year olds remains stubbornly high at 6.2%. Many of our learners face a number of barriers to their learning and we are highly successful in supporting them to achieve through a wide range of mechanisms.
Adult Education Manager, Bolton Council, Self-Assessment Evaluation 19-20
Employers & Employment
The labour market in Bolton has changed markedly since before the pandemic with some sectors, such as hospitality, leisure and non-food retail having experienced significant decline over the past twelve months. On the other hand other sectors such as health and social care, food production, logistics, construction, digital and education have seen an increase in activity and demand for skills.
At Bolton College we make every effort to strategically plan our curriculum with such labour market intelligence in mind so that we ensure we are giving our students the right skills for employment and career development as well as promoting economic prosperity across Bolton and the Greater Manchester region.
In December 2020 there were 28,978 jobs being advertised across Greater Manchester and 692,391 across the UK as a whole (source GMCA). Within Bolton, the majority (88%) of businesses are micro businesses, with 0-9 employees. This is similar to the North West (88.3%) and the UK. Both average workplace (£22,068 pa) and resident (£22,819 pa) wages in Bolton are below those of Greater Manchester (£25,108 and £24,945 respectively). This suggests that better equipping residents is still an important challenge for Bolton. Better skills mean that residents could access higher value employment, either in Bolton or outside, expanding the opportunities available for residents.
Case Studies
Dominic Porter
Progression Service
Dominic was referred to the Progression Service and he said that he’d love a job at the Amazon Warehouse.
A full-time job opportunity at the Bolton Depot was found, and the Service supported Dominic throughout the whole process, from application to interview. He secured the role and the team helped him to settle into his new role on his first day.
Dominic’s initial experience at Amazon was difficult as his support needs had not been communicated to his supervisors, so the Progression Service liaised with Amazon HR and Dominic was given a full assessment. This resulted in appropriate support: shortened hours; more breaks; a buddy; one set station; and extra help to learn new tasks.
Dominic’s now happy and settled and he hopes to eventually secure a permanent position.
- Arron Clarke - Progression Service
After initial discussions with Arron and his mum, we created a support plan with Arron signing up for Universal Credit, creating a CV and joining agencies that could offer him work on construction sites.
Arron failed to attend his appointments with us initially, because mum decided that she would help Arron, and there was no need for any input from the Progression Service. However, she eventually called to say he was struggling to find work and his mental health was suffering.
Both came into College and we discovered that he hadn’t signed up for Universal Credit nor had he been able to find work. We completed the benefit application with him and booked an appointment with the Careers Service to help him create a CV. We also got him involved with a charity called Third Space, where he renovated properties alongside qualified tradesmen, whilst attending team building sessions. He received excellent feedback and an excellent reference.
Arron also had weekly one-to-one sessions where we job searched, applied for jobs, discussed any work-related issues and continued to build his confidence. He attended a placement in a furniture warehouse, which helped him to decide that his future definitely lay in construction. He’d accumulated a great set of skills, so we started to contact local construction companies to find him more practical work experience.
Arron successfully passed an interview with a local construction company and he started further work experience, where he thrived – the company were very happy with his work.
With this in mind, we told the company about the Government’s Kickstart scheme, which gives financial assistance towards employing a new trainee. The company applied and was awarded the grant, making Arron a paid employee! Arron is excited and hopeful about his future in the construction industry.
Sabrina Leagger
Owner of Taste of Greece
‘With the support of Sam and Hannah, we have been able to create a role for Alex that fits her skillset and compliments our business, so that she can experience a real work environment and learn new skills on the job. We love having Alex working with us.’
Bolton Council Licensing Service
‘Bolton Council are committed to a high standard of safeguarding, and inclusive customer service, in the taxi industry of our borough. Bolton College ESOL department has been an invaluable partner in achieving this, supporting residents from all backgrounds to develop the competencies to become licensed taxi drivers.’
Adam Burns
Owner of Alison’s Fish and Chip Shop
‘Working with the Progression Service has been a really good experience for all of our staff. We would never have considered having an employee like Aiden, but the experience has been really good and he is a real asset. Aiden is now a valued member of our team.’
