Plans to boost employment rates in the district over the next four years have been outlined by Bradford Council.

The new strategy will include building people’s skills and encouraging employers to take on more apprenticeships to reduce worklessness in Bradford.

The plans have been put forward by the Council with help from Bradford’s Employment and Skills Board, which includes representatives from employers including Yorkshire Water and NG Bailey.

The proposals include focusing on expanding skills in areas expected to grow in Bradford, including advanced engineering, creative and digital, professional and financial services, healthcare, food and drink, retail and distribution and the low-carbon economy.

Councillor David Green, Bradford Council’s executive member for regeneration and economy, said: “Building an innovative, productive and high-value economy is one of the most important and urgent challenges facing the district.

“A strong skills base is essential to attract and retain investment and good quality, well-paid jobs, to maintain and grow our manufacturing strength and to reduce worklessness.

“The Council will provide strong leadership, working closely with all partners, to make sure that we create the right environment to enable business and enterprise to thrive and generate employment.”

Also included in the strategy is a plan to focus on simplifying the way employers get involved in training, increasing support for apprenticeships and raising the level of basic skills among 14 to 19-year-olds and adult learners.

It also proposes tailoring help for long-term incapacity benefit claimants, people with mental health issues and ethnic minorities.

Michele Sutton, principal of Bradford College and chairman of the employment and skills partnership, said: “All the partners engaged in employment and skills welcome the strategy.”

The plans, will be discussed by the Council’s Executive on February 11, along with an economic strategy.