The LCDL Supported Apprenticeship Project

Project Overview Supported Apprenticeship Project Funded by LCC and delivered by CXL 60 places for YP & Employers in Lancashire Eligibility- vulnerable group/16-18yrs old/less than 5 A- C GCSE’s Financial Incentives for Employers Pre-employability package Level 2 apprenticeship Reduce NEET numbers across Lancashire Support Package throughout training for employer & YP

Package for Young People Psychometric assessments to gauge potential and identify occupational choices and interests Pre-recruitment training and support to boost employability skills and prospects Vacancies with supportive employers offering apprenticeships in a variety of occupational sectors Ongoing mentoring and advocacy support in the workplace throughout the apprenticeship Funding for travel costs, clothing and equipment to support their training

Package for Employers Individually tailored support packages to meet demands and needs of the business Ongoing support and advocacy throughout the apprenticeship Opportunities to improve the future of local young people Add value to the business through a well-trained, highly productive and motivated workforce CXL Employer handbook and workbook Employer Handbook can be purchased from CXL.

Employer Wage Subsidy Yr 1 £60 per week for 52 weeks Yr 2 £40 per week for 52 weeks

Our Employers

Employer Engagement to Support YP Visits to employer/ phone calls/leaflet drops/press releases/ marketing campaign/ face to face contact/ liaise with training providers/ YPS contacts. Employer database within CXL Occupational & Location led engagement Creating opportunities Work Trials Outlining the Benefits to employers Pre- employability mentoring-paring CV’s, interview preparation & Practice etc.

Employer Views & Opinions Perceptions Expectations Past experiences Stereotypes

‘Yeah but, no but!’ TEENAGE PARENT

‘ BOVVERED? FACE LOOK BOVVERED, I AINT BOVVERED!!’ EXCLUDED FROM SCHOOL/ SWITCHED OFF BY THE EDUCATION SYSTEM

‘Its not fair- I hate you!!’ NEET

‘ALRIGHT GUVNOR’ YOT/RELEASED FROM LANCASTER FARMS

‘Wicked!!!’ LEAVING CARE

Challenge Stereotypes Benefits to employer/business to taking on a YP YP attributes Challenge Perceptions & Stereotypes Financial Incentives Work Trials

What are the Barriers to working with vulnerable young people? (Look After & Care Leavers)

Barriers to working with Look After/Care leavers Convictions Personal issues(alcohol & Drug abuse, physical abuse)* Funding Support mechanisms Confidence( self esteem, social presentation) Life Skills Health needs( mental, physical & emotional) Existing Qualifications Attitude to learning Family & Social relationships Employment awareness(Employee rights & legislation) Employment experience

Ability to conform constructive relationships with YP from a diverse range of backgrounds Knowledge of the care system Ability to negotiate with YP Be able to deal with conflict and troubled YP To advocate the YP’s needs to other service providers(Social Services, Leaving care Team, YOS, Support Agencies, CAMs) Knowledge of training provision available and LMI including opportunities available in area. Knowledge of the accommodation needs of YP Funding Streams Knowledge of the benefits system. Give informed impartial advice Ability to form good working relationship with the support agencies Personal traits(good communication skills, empathic caring, encouraging, realistic, resilient.) Role & Skills of Project Adviser

Retention Strategy Retention Plan & Agreement Mentoring toolkit Employer handbook and workbook Mentoring visits- reviews On call support for employer and YP Funded Additional training(CSCS, H & S, Food Hygiene, )- add value to employment. Funding for Travel & Equip Partnership Working- Social Services/Leaving care team/YOS/ Lancaster Farms/YPS/ Connexions/IYS or other support agencies. Apprenticeship- support with access to apprenticeship and regular links with tutor & WP assessor to retain them for life. Support with personal issues, housing, counselling etc

Food For Thought: Provision & ability Support Mechanisms Partnership working Funding available Quality Delivery( Policies & Procedures/recording/risk assessment/H & S) Other opportunities- Project delivery across other LA’s

Question’s & Answer’s ???????

Goodbye from the LCDL Supported Apprenticeship Team