Agenda item

To receive an update on the Council’s Apprenticeship Programme, including a progress report on the recruitment of apprentices, how we are using it to target early careers, and the use of our apprenticeship levy.

Kathryn Partington, OD Consultant – Apprenticeships, introduced the report and updated the Committee on the Council’s Apprenticeship Programme, including a progress report on the recruitment of apprentices and how it is being used to target early careers and the use of the Council’s Apprenticeship Levy.

The background to the report was explained alongside further details on the different apprenticeship types and apprenticeship numbers and take up from April 2023 – April 2024 as per Paragraphs 5 to 11 of the report. Officers then explained the apprenticeship levy transfers under the new apprenticeship rules updated in April 2024 and it was highlighted that HR&OD officers were working closely with the BANES, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care Board (BSW ICB) Apprenticeship Group in the joint procurement of apprenticeships through the Salisbury Managed Procurement Services (SMPS) and that Wiltshire Council were the only Local Authority to have a regular presence in the group.

Members were informed that the Council had 55 different apprenticeship standards being delivered by 42 different training providers and that officers monitored the success rates with providers throughout the apprenticeships to ensure quality and value for money. Officers emphasised the hard work made in early careers engagement as detailed in Paragraphs 24 to 29 of the report.

Finally, Members were informed that officers were looking to work with Gloucestershire & Wiltshire Partnership to increase levy sharing, to support more Small to Medium Enterprises that align with the Council’s priorities with apprenticeship funding for their employees, and to work closely with service areas to utilise apprenticeships for ‘hard to fill’ roles and allowing staff to progress internally and build careers with Wiltshire Council.

During the discussion, points included:

• It was confirmed that all apprenticeships were advertised on the Council’s career sites, social media pages, and government websites, however it was noted that in respect of the latter, there was a two-week time frame in which the vacancy needed to be posted and closed, which could lead to timing issues. Furthermore, officers were developing a new SharePoint page to make it easier for different directorates to see what opportunities were available for apprentices.
• Members sought further clarification on “sunsetting” funds available for the apprenticeship programme to which officers further explained Paragraphs 21 to 23 of the report. It was further explained that there were few employers who could fully utilise the levy due to the 20% off the job training and the organisational difficulties in supporting the apprenticeship training alongside the day-to-day job. However, it was noted that officers were anticipating potential changes to the levy which could entail more flexibility rather than losing or transferring the levy.
• Due to the delay in the apprenticeship standard being approved, it was explained that Wiltshire Council had many internal staff wishing to undertake certain apprenticeships, such as social workers, therefore officers were prioritising the progression of internal staff.
• In response to a question, it was clarified that officers worked with the Targeted Education Team in supporting Looked After Young People and care leavers in achieving apprenticeships and that officers had held an event specifically to make them aware of the different opportunities through the Council. It was also noted that the Recruitment Team also worked with any apprenticeship referrals to support them through different activities such as mock interviews.
• The pay grades for different apprenticeship levels were explained and it was confirmed that those employees undertaking upskilling apprenticeships did not sacrifice any proportion of their salaries by obtaining the qualification.
• It was noted that there was a good range of different apprenticeship standards being offered through the Council, with a national focus on entry level apprenticeships and a Wiltshire specific focus on early career apprenticeships and how to increase uptake.
• Members queried how young people living in more rural parts of Wiltshire would have equal opportunity to access apprenticeships within more urban parts of Wiltshire. Officers highlighted that they had attended almost every career fair they had been invited to across Wiltshire and were looking to focus on getting different services to attend events, build interest, and make direct contact with young people. However, it was noted that the Council did not offer a transport service, but that prospective candidates were aware of the need to arrange their own travel to the appropriate hub.
• Officers were thanked for the update, their hard work, and successes as detailed in the report.

At the conclusion of the discussion, it was:

Resolved:

The Committee noted the contents of the report and the work undertaken to support the Apprenticeship Programme and early careers.