Presentation by the Head of Workforce Strategy

This presentation provides an update on the Council’s apprenticeship strategy and activity since the introduction of the apprenticeship levy and includes information on the number of Our Children employed as apprentices.

The Sub Group considered the presentation that had been submitted for consideration that provided information on the following areas of activity: -

·                An overview of the apprenticeship system;

·                Data on the apprentice sign ups by Directorate 2018/19;

·                Feedback following the National Apprenticeship Week;

·                Demographic breakdown of 2018/19 sign ups;

·                Levy expenditure to date;

·                Highlights from year two;

·                Headlines for 2019/20;

·                Actions proposed to ensure continued improvement;

·                Strengthening the approach with schools;

·                Targets for 2019/20 by Directorate;

·                Describing the opportunities across Health and Social Care; and

·                How apprenticeships are being used to create opportunities for Our Children.

Some of the key points that arose from the Sub Group’s discussions were: -

·                What was being done to address the challenges experienced with schools and the take up of apprentices;

·                Were all of Our Children currently on apprenticeships recruited directly;

·                Did we work with the Manchester College to deliver apprenticeships;

·                What Social Value was being achieved via apprenticeships; and

·                How were apprenticeships advertised.

The Head of Workforce Strategy confirmed that all of Our Children on an apprenticeship programme had been directly recruited, adding that options for the possible development of a pre-apprenticeship/traineeship programme aimed at Our Children, with a link into apprenticeship roles were currently ongoing with the Independent Living Service.

The Head of Workforce Strategy confirmed that the service did work in partnership with the Manchester College to deliver apprenticeships, and this was one of a range of providers. He described that the Levy had been used to scale up the apprenticeship offer at an entry level and develop innovative approaches to higher level programmes.

The Head of Workforce Strategy stated that the majority of Council entry level apprenticeships undertaken by external candidates had been recruited through partnership working with a range of partners, such as Big Life and the Department of Work and Pensions He said that working with these and other partners allowed for conversations to be had with prospective applicants about the training, progression and career opportunities within the Council. He added that conversations were being had with the Communications Team to showcase this message and promote the Council as an attractive employer.

The Interim Director of HROD supported this comment and added that providing meaningful learning and development would help promote the Council as an employer of choice and help with the recruitment and retention of staff.

The Head of Workforce Strategy stated that Manchester was not unique in the relationship and uptake from schools, however conversations were ongoing with Rochdale Council as they were an authority that had a good uptake of apprenticeships from schools.

In response to a Member’s request for a breakdown of apprentices by level based on the indices of multiple deprivation, the Head of Workforce Strategy said that this would be provided. He further advised that examples and information in relation to Social Value and apprenticeships would be provided to the Sub Group following the meeting.

Decision

1. To note the presentation.

2. To request that a breakdown of apprentices by level based on the indices of multiple deprivation be circulated to the Sub Group.

3. To request that examples and information in relation to Social Value and apprenticeships be circulated to the Sub Group.