The Coronavirus pandemic has inflicted an unprecedented toll on all aspects of our lives. As we grapple with the full extent of its effects, it is clear that the long-term impact on skills and employment prospects – for young people in particular – is likely to be severe and far-reaching.
Sheffield Hallam University and its partners in the Sheffield City Region have come together to form the nationally pioneering ‘Regional Post-18 Education Partnership’, to identify positive and practical actions which can impact the most disadvantaged young people in the region as they enter the post-18 system through education or work.
Secondary school pupils in Sheffield City Region who receive free school meals for 80% or more of their school lives are on average 25 months behind in their academic progress compared to their peers - and it is widely accepted that the Covid-19 crisis is likely to have caused particular hardship to the poorest and most vulnerable children in society.
Believed to be the first of its kind in the country, the Partnership will act as a forum for building a post-18 education and skills system in the City Region and will focus on issues such as skills shortages, education progression routes, apprenticeship opportunities, outreach work with hard-to-reach communities and delivering lifelong learning, and more.
