|
 The industrial heritage of the Black Country has left a legacy of low levels of qualification and lack of interest in educational attainment. Unemployment is higher than both the national and regional average. Overall qualification levels of the workforce are significantly lower than those of the region and the country. The standard achievement of young people in schools is improving consistently but a significant minority is under performing in comparison with regional and national averages.
The rate of participation of 16-19 year olds in full-time education also lags behind both regional and national rates. Participation in higher education is very low in large areas of the Black Country and additionally local data suggests that up to a third of trainees cease training before completing their qualification. The low-level of participation in learning in the Black Country is reflected overall in the basic skills qualifications of the population – 42% have no qualification in English Language and 47% have no qualification in Mathematics.
|