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Wakefield, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Wakefield is a city in West Yorkshire in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, situated on the River Calder.
groups
City population
353,802
person
Member since
2024
Vision
Wakefield’s lifelong learning vision, led by Learn Wakefield District, focuses on comprehensive skills development from early years to adulthood. The city’s five-year Employment and Skills Strategy aims to support digital inclusion and the transformation of green skilled jobs. As part of the UNESCO GNLC, Wakefield will focus on questions of equity and inclusion, literacy, and health and well-being to create independent residents that adopt sustainable behaviours. The city is committed to collaborative, locally tailored education and skills-building initiatives.
Policies, plan and implementation
Sustainability and health
The city is committed to tackling climate change through continual investment in parks and green spaces and the promotion of green-skilled jobs across the city. In terms of health, Wakefield is focused on enhancing community well-being by improving access to health care from birth onwards, aiming to reduce overall health issues within the population.
Equity and inclusion
Wakefield is collaborating with community groups to ensure accessible services and support for all. Through initiatives like the Big Conversation, the city gathers input from local residents and businesses to understand and address disparities in education and skills.
Decent work and entrepreneurship
By partnering with the West Yorkshire Mayor and business leaders, the city is working to attract responsible businesses and create quality jobs. The flagship employment and skills service, Step-Up, provides personalized advice to residents relating to job opportunities, skills improvement and business start-ups. The programme offers specialized training in entrepreneurship, covering business and financial planning.
Good practices
Step-Up
This initiative aligns with the city’s goal of promoting employment, skills and education for all residents aged 15 and up, whether employed or unemployed. Collaborating with the Adult Education Service, West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Wakefield College, the programme has assisted around 3,000 residents in accessing training and career development opportunities, continuing to grow in effectiveness.
WF Happy Healthy Holidays
Funded by the Department of Education, the project provides healthy meals and activities to children and parents, focusing on improving family health and well-being. The programme runs four days a week during the school holidays and is grant-funded to community organizations, targeting economically disadvantaged areas and families to offer essential support during holiday periods.