Decision details

To present the recommendations of the Education, Skills and Growth panel which looked to identify how to; increase in the number of young people taking up apprenticeships in the borough, increase in the range of apprenticeships in the borough, reduce the barriers locally which prevent young people taking up apprenticeships with focus on the impact of Corona virus. and Identify and assess barriers to local businesses employing apprentices and reduce those barriers.

      i.        the Executive works with Apprenticeship pathway providers to ensure our young people aged between 16-21 have the best opportunities and outcomes.

     ii.         

the Executive adopts an Apprenticeship policy which sets out expectations around pay, terms and conditions and that the Education, Skills and Growth Panel is consulted on the draft policy and for this to be completed by December 2021 to coronavirus capacity limitations.

    iii.        the Executive promotes Apprenticeships externally and internally by

producing a promotional video which highlights the benefit of becoming an

apprentice, growing businesses, and supporting the economy by March 2022

to coronavirus capacity limitations.

   iv.        the Executive reviews the current Apprenticeship webpages and updates

the content to include more information, links to job vacancy websites and

information about what to expect from an apprenticeship by December 2021 to coronavirus capacity limitations.

     v.        the Executive investigates whether it would be possible to facilitate a

mentoring scheme between large businesses and small/medium businesses to encourage more apprenticeship opportunities by March 2022 to coronavirus capacity limitations.

   vi.        the Executive develops ongoing partnerships across Berkshire to provide

a united gateway of support and guidance to businesses enabling them to take better advantage of the apprenticeship levy.

The Education, Skills and Growth Overview & Scrutiny Panel was commissioned to

undertake a review into Apprenticeships as part of the Overview and Scrutiny work

programme. This review activity was undertaken from November 2020 until January

2021 and witnesses were consulted during this time. A survey was also sent to local

business, apprentices, and schools to gain wider feedback. The methodology

undertaken, findings and recommendations are set out in the attached report as

endorsed by the Commission on 17 February 2021.

The Education, Skills and Growth Overview & Scrutiny Panel’s assessed several

options as part of the review.

None

The Overview and Scrutiny Panel will consult with witnesses, carry out a survey and present a final report to the Overview and Scrutiny Commission.