Preparing for the Levy – sharing good practice Toni Compai Director of HR

Council Plan pledges Apprenticeships support achievement of Council Plan pledges: developing the skills of local people providing young people with economic independence through improving their opportunity to obtain sustainable employment bringing young people into the workforce involving the local community in the delivery of local services

Council Experience Directly employed apprentices pre 2012 pre 2012, Council offered opportunities against approx. 10 apprentice frameworks (mainly traditional craft and engineering roles). ATA partnership with Learning Unlimited since 2012 330 ATA apprentices commenced placements to date by 2016 Council offered opportunities against 29 apprentice frameworks 94% of those who have successfully completed their apprenticeship, gained employment within the Council or with another organisation Approx. 350 existing employees also undertaken apprenticeships since 2012 (not via ATA) Council has also invested in excess of £500,000 of age related grants to enable SMEs to provide around 300 new apprentice opportunities

Apprentice & Manager Experience Apprentice & manager experience indicates: Apprentices: 95% were either very satisfied or satisfied by their placement 90% were very satisfied or satisfied with manager support 86% were either very satisfied or satisfied with the balance of work experience and training Managers: 98% believed apprenticeships give young people skills the council values 100% believed that apprentices developed new skills which enabled them to become more effective in their work roles 96% thought the apprenticeship gave young people the relevant skills and knowledge to make the step into employment with the council Good foundation to build on – DCC apprenticeships highly regarded in local community Apprenticeships valued by managers resulting in opening up of new opportunities / vocational areas

Why a new approach? National changes: Apprenticeship Levy (from April 2017) Public Sector Apprentice Targets (from Autumn 2016) Learning Unlimited ATA contract expires (30 June 2016)

Implications for Derbyshire CC LA maintained schools included in levy & target calculations: Levy – est. annual contribution approx. £2.2m (£1.3m resulting from inclusion of LA schools) Public Sector Target – current est. 796 apprentices 79 Learning Unlimited ATA apprentices on placement at end of contract ATA Legacy Agreement required until 30 September 2019 Indications are that Council will be able to utilise levy to support existing employees to undertake apprenticeships for development purposes and could contribute to target returns

What are we doing? Project Exclusions Three main areas: Developing new, directly employed Internal Apprenticeship model Adopting apprenticeships as preferred qualification delivery route for existing employees where appropriate Influencing National Apprenticeship Agenda Cabinet approved the development of a directly employed Internal Apprenticeship Scheme as the most effective approach to delivering against the Council’s apprenticeship targets. Implementing this apprenticeship model will maximise the Council’s use of levy and contribute towards addressing the Public Sector targets. Project Inclusions All Council departments and services that are subject to the Apprenticeship Levy and Public Sector Targets including local authority maintained schools. The Apprenticeship Strategy Group has been established which will undertake and direct the required activities to achieve the project objectives. Project Exclusions Academies, Free Schools and education establishments not maintained by the authority

How are we doing it? Apprenticeship Strategy Group to undertake / co-ordinate work around: Learning Unlimited Apprentice Legacy Agreement Mapping of all Council roles against apprenticeship standards / frameworks identifying any gaps in provision School Apprenticeship engagement and communication strategy Joint Council / Trade Union Apprenticeship Agreement Advantages of being an employer & SFA approved provider? Developing Internal Apprenticeship Scheme strategy, policy and procedures (inc new Apprenticeship Employment Contract) Developing a strategy for procuring training providers Maximising the financial benefit derived from levy contributions Directly employed model Fixed term training contract based on Derbyshire Package terms and conditions National Minimum Wage rates: 16 – 17 year olds: £3.87 per hour 18 – 20 year olds: £5.30 per hour 21 – 24 year olds: £6.70 25+ year olds: £7.20 Apprenticeship mentoring scheme to be considered for all new apprentices

Influencing National Agenda Trailblazer Standards Regulatory Services (trailblazer lead) Children & Younger Peoples Workforce (trailblazer contributor) Mapping exercise identify gaps and influence further Trailblazer development Digital Apprenticeship Service pilot participating in 3 month testing of search functions Collaboration at national, regional and local level (inc LGA, C&G, East Midlands region, D2N2, other authorities etc) What we are doing and urge others to get involved similarly especially around ensuring the need for new trailblazers specific to LA needs are identified and developed

New Scheme Benefits #1 Single point of Apprenticeship Strategy management and co-ordination will: avoid duplication and ensure the most effective delivery against the Council’s and the national apprenticeship agendas Maximising RIO against Apprenticeship Levy contributions. Meet obligations resulting from the introduction of Public Sector Apprenticeship Targets.

New Scheme Benefits #2 Apprenticeship intake complements other approaches to bringing young people into the workforce Redress an ageing workforce through planned intakes of apprentices. Addresses future potential skills gaps in the Council. Supports economic growth and increasing youth employment opportunities in Derbyshire. Contributes to Council aim: all Children who have been in Care are in education, employment or training Increased profile of apprenticeships as valid alternative for young people in Derbyshire.

Any Questions?

For further information contact: Steve Smith 01629 536244 or steve.smith@derbyshire.gov.uk