Issue - meetings

Report of the Director of Community and Children’s Services.

Members received a report of the Director of Community and Children’s Services regarding an Apprenticeship Levy Policy update.

11.59 – Deputy Keith Bottomley left the meeting.

Members discussed the Apprenticeship Levy in light of the City’s activities in promoting, brokering, providing and conducting training for apprenticeships. Members highlighted the following areas which required system-wide improvement:

·         The need for apprenticeships to be recognised and valued in the same light as university applications not as a second-tier option.

·         It was suggested that the City could review its support to small and medium enterprises in their delivery of apprenticeships.

·         It was suggested that the City could provide case studies of people that have come through the apprenticeship system and flourished.

·         It was suggested that the City could focus its attention on relevant skills for the local area and garner support from companies within the City to support apprentices to develop those skills (e.g. Digital/Artificial intelligence)

·         Collate evidence of apprenticeship pathways that have led to MBAs.

It was noted that there were approximately 100 applications for a single creative apprenticeship role at the Corporation.

Members requested a report be submitted at the July 2020 Board meeting outlining City apprenticeships and how the Corporation might improve its offer.

RESOLVED, that the report be noted.